海外博士后招收

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position for 1.5 years in the Andersen Lab (andersen-lab.dk) at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Denmark. The position is part of the project "Genetically encoded RNA-based FRET biosensors for improving production strains of valuable small molecules and recombinant proteins" funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The intended starting date is October 1, 2018. In case further external funding is procured within the academic area the candidate is estimated obviously qualified for, an extension can be possible for up to a total maximum of 4 years employment as a post doc.

Research area and project description:

The Andersen Lab for Biomolecular Design (andersen-lab.dk) works on developing biomolecular nanostructures and devices for applications in diverse fields such as nanotechnology, medicine and biotechnology. Our research aims at understanding the fundamental principles of how biomolecules fold into unique and functional shapes and at using this insight to guide the design of novel nanoscale devices for both basic science and technological applications. To develop new biomolecular nanostructures, we use both rational design and selection approaches and use a broad spectrum of methods and techniques from computational biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, synthetic biology and biophysics available at iNANO.

This project aims at developing genetically encoded sensor technology to allow selection of production strains. Based on RNA scaffold technology developed in our lab (Geary et al., Science 2014) we have recently developed a novel biosensor platform based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between fluorescent aptamers (Jepsen et al., Nature Communications 2018). The general strategy of the proposed research project is to develop RNA sensors for new targets, optimize them for in vivo use, select variants for broad dynamic range detection, and apply the developed sensor system in selection of high producing strains for valuable products. With the proposed project, we want to develop a general strategy for developing fluorescent sensor devices towards a broad range of targets and efficient selection of production strains.

Qualifications and specific competences:

We search for highly motivated individuals to work in the field of RNA synthetic biology. Candidates should have experience and expertise in at least three of the following areas:•Gene expression in bacteria and yeast.

•Fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy.

•Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX)

•Flow cytometry and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) for bacteria.

Furthermore, applicants are expected to:•Have strong cooperation and communication skills.

•Have good command of the English language, both spoken and written.

•Be independent and capable of assisting younger students in their research projects.

Place of Employment and Place of Work:

The Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) (inano.au.dk) is a major research and education center based at the beautiful campus of Aarhus University. iNANO undertakes interdisciplinary research involving scientists from relevant areas in physics, chemistry, molecular biology, biology, engineering, and medicine. iNANO offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment with many industrial, national and international collaborators. The city of Aarhus is the second largest in Denmark located on the eastern coast of the peninsula of Jutland. Aarhus offers a rich cultural life with its many international students and cultural events. It is easily accessible from major European cities either by train or plane. The place of work is Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Contact:

For further information please contact Assoc. Prof. Ebbe Sloth Andersen (esa@inano.au.dk) +45 41 17 86 19, iNANO, Aarhus University.

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants, including the main considerations emphasized during the selection process.

Formalities and salary range

Science and Technology refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities. Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.