Research and graduate education at the department of chemistry and molecular biology comprises a wide scientific field from the atomic and molecular levels all the way through cells to intact organisms. Much of the phenomena studied here impact on our natural environment and living systems. We participate in undergraduate programs in chemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, biology, marine sciences, and pharmacy.
This project is a collaboration between Mikael Molin (Associate professor in Cell and Molecular Biology) and Björn Burmann (Associate Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry).
Mikael Molin’s group uses both molecular genetic, cell biological and biochemical approaches to understand mechanisms of aging, age-related disease and cellular responses to stress using baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as a model organism. More specifically he is investigating the molecular mechanisms by which reduced caloric intake slows down aging in organisms ranging from yeast to primates, something which has lead to much attention also in the press:
https://kit.se/2017/07/04/90349/hemligheten-bakom-att-aldras-langsammare-att-banta/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031215938.htm
Björn Burmann’s group investigates macromolecular protein machines underlying essential cellular functions, e.g. protein quality control and DNA-repair processes, through biophysical and structural biology approaches e.g. high-resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). For more information please see:
http://wcmtm.gu.se/research-groups/burmann
Subject area
Biochemistry/Structural Biology/Molecular Biology
Subject area description
This Post-Doc position aims to study in molecular detail a recently discovered interaction between the peroxiredoxin Tsa1 and the molecular chaperone Hsp70 (Hanzén S et al, Cell, 2016).
Peroxiredoxins are antioxidants and signaling enzymes, which have received increased attention lately because of a conserved function in slowing down the rate of aging in yeast and in multicellular organisms (Molin M et al Int J Cell Biol 2014, Nyström T et al Genes Dev 2012). Notably, peroxiredoxin activity has been shown to be stimulated upon both caloric restriction (Molin M et al, Mol Cell, 2011) and treatment with the anti-glycemic drug metformin, to slow down the rate of aging of yeast and worms, respectively, suggesting that peroxiredoxins are the long sought target enzymes explaining longevity upon dietary restrictions and that they can be targeted therapeutically. In addition, peroxiredoxins have been shown to prevent aging and age-related cancers in mice as well as to constitute the first identified regulators of circadian rhythms conserved in all the three kingdoms of life. However, their molecular functions still remain poorly understood.
We have recently shown that 1) low levels of H2O2 are not detrimental to yeast cells but rather slow down aging via the peroxiredoxin Tsa1 (Goulev Y et al, eLIFE, 2017), 2) Tsa1 is a potent gerontogene dramatically slowing down aging upon just a moderate 2-fold overexpression and 3) the anti-aging effect of Tsa1 requires normal levels of Hsp70 proteins and, at least in part, involves a role in guiding molecular Hsp70 chaperones to proteins aggregating upon aging (Hanzén S et al, Cell, 2016).
Hsp70 proteins rely on an intricate allosteric network between their individual domains to exert function and the impact of peroxiredoxin on Hsp70 function will be investigated on a biochemical as well as a biophysical and structural biology level e.g. by high-resolution NMR-spectroscopy techniques established for the study of high-molecular weight chaperone complexes (Burmann B et al, Nat Struct Mol Biol, 2013; Callon M et al, Angew Chem Int ed Engl, 2014; Thoma J, Nat Struct Mol Biol, 2015).
Job assignments
The person employed will address molecular, biochemical and biophysical details of the peroxiredoxin-Hsp70 interaction and how peroxiredoxins affect Hsp70 functions.
Eligibility
To qualify as a postdoctoral fellow, the applicant must have completed a Swedish doctoral degree or must have a foreign degree corresponding to a Swedish doctoral degree.
Preference will be given to candidates who have been awarded the degree no more than three years before the application deadline and who have not held a post-doc position within the same or similar subject area at the University of Gothenburg for more than one year. Applicants with a degree obtained earlier than the stipulated three years may be preferred if special reasons exists. Special reasons in this context include, but are not limited to, leave due to illness and parental leave.
Applicants should have a PhD in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Molecular Biology or a related subject. We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a strong background in hands on biochemical techniques e.g. protein purification, (molecular chaperone) protein characterization, biophysical characterization and solution NMR techniques. Knowledge of techniques in molecular biology/microbiology/cell culture is also a merit. The candidate is expected to cooperate within the research groups and must have good communication skills, ability to work in a team, proficiency in English language is required.
Assessment
Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 – 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.
Employment
Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, 2 years
Extent: 100 %
Location: Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Gothenburg
First day of employment: As soon as possible or upon agreement.
Appointment procedure
Please apply online
The application shall include:
Cover letter with an explanation of why you apply for the position
CV including scientific publications
Copy of exam certificate
Two referees (name, telephone no, relation)
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