This project is part of an ERC Consolidator grant (PlastidOrigin) awarded to F. Burki that aims to study one of the most transformative events in eukaryote evolution–the origin of the photosynthetic organelles (the primary plastids) in Archaeplastida. The main aim of this postdoc position is to produce a protein atlas for each organelle of chosen red algale and glaucophyte species using whole-cell spatial proteomics with the hyperLOPIT method. By combining this data to verified proteomes for other archaeplastids, and by searching for homologues in other eukaryotes and prokaryotes, we want to characterize the origin of plastid proteins and the size of the endosymbiotic vs non-endosymbiotic plastid proteomic fractions across archaeplastids.
Duties
Maintain the knowledge and workflow to run proteomic experiments in the lab. Apply hyperLOPIT to red algae and glaucophytes. Be the point of contact to communicate to mass spec facilities. Perform routine cell culture maintenance. Develop cellular transformation in red algae. Work with high-resolution 3D microscopy data such as FIB-SEM data. Generate and analyse RNA-seq data. Perform protein cellular location prediction by Machine Learning. Analyse the data in the context of plastid evolution. Disseminate results in appropriate formats, including leading peer-reviewed publications and conferences. Training of junior group members might also be involved, as well as other standard tasks related to a research group including providing operational support to the good functioning of the lab.
Requirements
PhD degree in Biology or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in Biology. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with the desire to establish and maintain a novel methodology in the Burki lab. The successful candidate will have a strong record, appropriate for their career stage, of high-quality research publications. Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities such as high-motivation, planning and organizational skills, problem solving, stress management. We strive to create a friendly atmosphere among team-members and other employees in the work place, so a collegiate capacity to work as part of a team is necessary. For this position, a proven experience in mass spectrometry and proteomics is required, and must be demonstrated by scientific publications in these fields. We are also looking for candidates with demonstrable skills in wet-lab techniques such as molecular biology (ie. PCR, cloning, Western blot, SDS-PAGE, protein/DNA/RNA extractions), cellular transformation, and cell culturing. Previous experience in 3D image analysis such as FIB-SEM data will be considered a valuable merit. An excellent knowledge of statistical analysis and bioinformatics (most importantly R) is required, and previous experience with R packages for spatial proteomics analysis such as pRoloc is highly beneficial. Prior knowledge on subcellular fractionation methods (using ultracentrifugation) and on hyperLOPIT or LOPIT-DC will be seen as major quality. A keen interest in evolution and microbial eukaryotes is a desirable attribute of the candidates. Proficiency in English, both oral and in writing, is required. The candidate should be willing to travel, for short (e.g. conference) or longer period if training is necessary.
Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.
About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 3 years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date 1st of Februray 2025 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala
For further information about the position, please contact: Fabien Burki, +46 18 471 2779, fabien.burki@ebc.uu.se
Please submit your application by January 20th,UFV-PA 2024/4253.
Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.
