Postdoctoral researcher on Cellular production of food macronutrients through systems biology

Job description

The current environmental footprint for the production of important macronutrients such as proteins or lipids motivates the development of radical and innovative food production systems. Synthetic and molecular biology are emerging as fundamental tools to engineer microorganisms as cell factories for the production of a wide range of bioproducts, including food ingredients. We have been using microorganisms throughout millennia to produce important food products such as cheese, yoghurt, or beer. In this sense, we are currently in a second domestication era where we have the genetic engineering tools to modify the metabolic pathways of industrial microorganisms towards desired food macronutrients. In this project we aim to create a proof of concept for the production of food ingredients from agricultural waste streams through microbial engineering and precision fermentation.

The duties of the postdoc include:

• Conduct innovative research within the scope of microbial protein production as part of KTH FOOD
• Publication of research papers in high-quality journals, including leading perspective articles on cellular production of food macronutrients through systems biology
• Present research at conferences and meetings
• Carry out collaborations with a team of other postdocs and faculty at KTH FOOD as well as within relevant networks both nationally and internationally
• Initiate, and participate in funding applications to relevant calls, nationally and internationally.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Work in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature
• Access to the resources and network of KTH FOOD.
• Excellent conditions to take the first step in your path towards an academic or industrial career by providing strong partners for leading research results, international and industrial networks and mentorship
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

The project is part of KTH FOOD, a new research center for sustainable and healthy food systems that aims to engage and align the education, research, and outreach competences at KTH towards a sustainable and healthy food system. There are four themes within KTH FOOD, (i) circular food processes, (ii) functional food products & health, (iii) sustainable food production and (iv) value chains & consumption. This postdoctoral position mainly focuses on the themes sustainable food production, circular food processes and functional food products. The position will be based at the Department of Protein Sciences, in close cooperation with the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology. The post doc researcher will be involved in activities in the different departments.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree within a relevant topic area, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline (with some exceptions for special reasons such as periods of sick or parental leave, kindly indicate if such reason exists in your resume).
• Demonstrated scientific skills and practical experience in molecular biology techniques such as recombinant protein production or biophysical protein characterisation methods.
• Demonstrated scientific excellence in the form of publication in research journals.
• Great ability to collaborate within a research team.
• Excellent communication skills in scientific English, both oral and written since this is needed in your daily work.

  As a person, you must show independence in planning your work after discussion with the supervisor and the ability to cooperate with all researchers in the project.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Multidisciplinary background and interests Research leadership Both scientific skills and pedagogical ability High motivation for collaborative research processes
• Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with a special focus on gender equality 

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Trade union representatives

You will find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH's webbpage.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply for this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad.

The application must contain:

1. CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
2. Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in either of these languages.
3. Personal letter (1 page)

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

The position may include security-sensitive activities. To become authorized, you therefore need to pass a possible security check.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

About KTH

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy. Read more here

1. Elton Paul Hudson, paul.hudson@scilifelab.se