Core Facilities is a university-wide Life Science research infrastructure located at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. Here you have access to some of Sweden's most advanced techniques and analysis tools for research in eg. medicine, biomedicine and clinical studies. All our units have strong national and international profiles and are part of national research infrastructures such as SciLIfeLab. The units at Core Facilities are equipped with advanced instrumentation and highly competent and specialized staff. Next to highly qualified research support, our experts also offer theoretical education and practical courses. Our infrastructure is open to all researchers from Swedish and international institutions as well as private industry.
The Centre for Cellular Imaging (CCI) at the Core Facilities is one of the leading academic imaging facilities in Sweden providing expertise and access to advanced microscopy to the research community, both locally and at other Swedish universities and abroad. It is part of the National Microscopy Infrastructure since 2016, a node of the Euro-Bioimaging-ERIC consortium and member of the SciLifeLab Cryo-EM Network.
The CCI offers high-end microscopy techniques and competence for researchers in the various fields of life science, but also chemistry, physics and material science. The equipment includes several advanced laser scanning (confocal and multiphoton) microscopes, super-resolution and high content screening microscopy, as well as a GEMINI450 scanning electron microscope and the TALOS 120C transmission electron microscope equipped with Ceta detector (XYZ) and with cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) capabilities focused on single-particle screening. The cryo-EM sample preparation equipment includes a plunge freezer, glow discharge, sputter coater as well as high pressure freezing system. The scientific staff at the CCI assists researchers in the experimental designing and planning of microscopy experiments and provides the in-depth training for the operation of the microscopes, full sample preparation and for specific imaging techniques. Additionally, support is provided in the processing, rendering and analysis of the acquired datasets.
The CCI is now looking for an Expert in cryo-electron microscopy and structural biology with extensive experience in high resolution single-particle reconstruction, including sample optimisation, grid preparation and screening, data collection, the use of modern software for particle picking and classification, map generation, model building, structure validation. The post holder will become an integral part of the CCI team, bringing knowledge and expertise in structural biology and cryo-EM to complement the Facility’s existing room-temperature transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and advanced light microscopy skill-set. Duties will involve both routine methods and developing of new methods from single-particle cryo-EM and applying them to a diverse range of research projects, day-to-day maintenance and operation of the instruments, sample preparation and data processing and analysis. Activities may also include supporting other electron microscopy applications such as standard biological sample preparation for TEM and SEM.
Duties
The successful candidate will work in the Centre for Cellular Imaging for advanced microscopy facility with: 1) in-house innovative structural biology technologies, with a focus on cryo-EM as a method for novel protein structure determination for challenging targets that are intractable via other structural biology techniques; 2) managing and optimization of the different cryo-EM grid sample preparation for single-particle workflows and cryo-EM screening. The post holder will also be responsible for 3) operation and maintenance of the electron microscope and the equipment for cryo-EM sample preparation, including plunge freezing and high pressure freezing; 4) giving advice on the design of imaging experiments in order to optimize output and research activities; and should, 5) Conduct assessment prior to data collection: Perform preliminary image data quality evaluation, load samples and tune microscopes; 6) Contribute to the implementation of new innovative cryo-EM methods in order to meet with the users’ needs at the CCI, and in close collaboration with the single particle Cryo-EM National facility at SciLifeLab; 7) Guiding core facility users in purification and analysis of single proteins and protein complexes; 8) Perform general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory, and provide general lab support as needed; 9) The post holder will also participate in the teaching of practices/lectures for graduate and undergraduate courses.
Qualifications
We are seeking an ambitious and service-oriented team player with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. The candidate shall be able to work both independently and as part of a team in the CCI and enjoy working in an international and highly collaborative team of scientists. The suitable candidate shall hold a PhD degree in structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, chemistry, or related scientific field and at least six years of relevant work experience in cryo-EM. Deep scientific expertise in structural biology and high-resolution structure determination is required. Extensive experience in cryo-EM preparation techniques for single-particle is highly desirable. Additional skills in cryo-EM tomography will be an advantage. The candidate shall be willing to expand his/her knowledge in new microscopy techniques and be ready to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment. Prior experience of working in a microscopy facility is a plus. Ability to manage workload and structure the work with short timelines, with good communication in English and organizational skills are essential. We are looking for an enthusiastic person with a research background who combines technical expertise with strong communication skills, who has a strong will to aid other researcher in their work, but also the motivation to work independently.
Employment
The employment is a full-time (100%), permanent position, placed at the Centre for Cellular Imaging (CCI) within the Core Facilities at the University of Gothenburg. A probationary employment period of 6 months may be applied. Start date as soon as possible based on agreement.
Employment title: Researcher
Selection process
Applicants will be evaluated based on submitted documents, interviews, and references.
Contact information for the post
If you have any questions about the position, please contact head of unit Julia Fernandez-Rodriguez (e-mail: juliafer@cci.sahlgrenska.gu.se).
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande
Information for International Applicants
Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
Application
To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.
Apply by submitting an electronic application (can be submitted in English) which should include a cover/motivation letter, your full CV, copy of PhD exam certificate, list of publications, three recent letters of recommendation, and a summary of past experience in the fields of structural biology and cryo-electron microscopy.
Applications must be received by: 2023-06-07
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.
Salaries are set individually at the University.
In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.
In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.
