The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM) at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is looking for open-minded and ambitious post-doctoral researchers to work on several projects in fundamental and applied enzymology.
The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM) at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is looking for open-minded and ambitious post-doctoral researchers to work on several projects in fundamental and applied enzymology.
We have three vacant positions for 2.5 – 3 years in projects that deal with the discovery, characterization and application of enzymes, in particular:
1. FunAccess – Leveraging the mechanisms how fungi increase plant cell wall accessibility to unlock the industrial valorisation potential of plant biomass (funded by an Emerging Investigator Grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation to Research Professor Anikó Várnai). We will identify novel key enzymes and accessory proteins used by brown-rot fungi to degrade wood and apply the novel enzymes/proteins for the production of next-generation biomaterials. We will also study how the plant cell wall ultrastructure is affected by these enzymes/proteins.
2. Valuable – VALorisation of fUngAl Biomass using noveL Enzymatic technology (funded by the European Union). We will develop enzyme technology to process fungal biomass and valorise the chitin in this biomass. This project includes bioprocess development and (modest) upscaling of enzyme production and enzymatic conversion processes.
3. Novel, commercially interesting applications of engineered Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases (LPMOs) (strategic funding from NMBU). We will engineer LPMOs to make these enzymes act on non-natural substrates such as various fractions biomass and man-made polymers. This project includes training in research-based innovation and commercialization.
The inspiring environment at the host group at NMBU (Protein Engineering and Proteomics group led by Professor Vincent Eijsink), the high ambitions of the projects, and our vibrant international networks will provide ample opportunities to do good research and provide excellent training opportunities.
Main tasks
The new PostDocs will have the following tasks (applies to all projects, except when indicated otherwise):
- Bioinformatic genome analyses (P1, P3)
- Gene cloning and protein expression
- Protein production (incl. purification) and characterization
- Protein design and protein engineering (P3)
- Enzyme assays and product identification
- Development and use of advanced analytical methods for product detection and identification
- Plant cell wall characterization (morphology and ultrastructure) (P1)
- Enzymatic bioprocessing of biomass up to 10 L scale (P2)
- Assess commercial opportunities (P3)
- Write scientific papers
Competence
Required academic qualifications
We are looking for candidates with a PhD in biochemistry, bioprocessing and/or genetic engineering, preferably on a subject related to the projects listed above. Experience with the analytical tools used for characterization of polysaccharides, lignin and/or chitin is an advantage.
The candidates should be able to demonstrate skills and experience in research areas that relate to several of the tasks listed above, such as:
- Protein biochemistry
- Basic gene technology, protein expression and purification
- Fundamental and/or applied enzymology
- Plant biology and/or plant cell wall biology
- Chitin enzymology
- Carbohydrate and/or lignin analytics (LC, SEC, MALDI-ToF MS, ESI-MS)
- Plant cell wall-active redox enzymes
- Bioprocessing
Additional experience in the following areas may be an advantage:
- Bioinformatic genome analyses
- Protein engineering and design, high-throughput screening
- Microscopy techniques (confocal, SEM, TEM, immunofluorescence)
- Fiber engineering and characterization
- Method development in chromatography
Personal qualities:
We are looking for bright and ambitious people who see working in our group as a perfect opportunity to develop their research careers. The ideal candidates will combine (and be able to document) the following personal qualities:
- Curious and open-minded
- Ambitious, accurate and self-driven
- Genuine interest in scientific research and its industrial applications.
- Good social and collaborative skills
- Good communicative skills, both oral and written, in English (candidates who are invited for an interview will be required to give a short research presentation in English as part of the recruitment process).
Candidates with a strong track record, who have the right attitude and ambitions while lacking some of the desired experience, are encouraged to apply. Together, the three to-be-recruited post-doctoral researchers need to cover the needs of the three projects and this will be taken into account during the selection process. Applicants are encouraged to state which projects they prefer and why.
Remuneration and further information
Post-doctoral positions are placed in government pay scale position code 1352 Postdoctoral Fellow, wage framework 24 (salary grade 59-77) (NOK 534.400 -752.800), depending on qualifications. The position follows ordinary meriting regulations.
For further information, please contact Research Professor Anikó Várnai (P1; aniko.varnai@nmbu.no; +47 6723 2569) or Professor Vincent Eijsink (P2,3; vincent.eijsink@nmbu.no; +47 67232463) and/or check out https://www.nmbu.no/en/faculty/kbm/research/groups/pep.
General Information to applicants
Application
To apply for this vacancy, submit your application through the online platform at www.jobbnorge.no; register as a new user if necessary (Nb. This is the only way to apply). Then, find the position, and click the ‘Apply for this job’ button. This will route you to the online application form. To complete the application, upload an application letter and your CV (as a pdf file), along with your publication list (for PD), degree certificates and transcripts of academic records. NB! For a successful application, it is not necessary to fill in the online application form if the requested information is provided in the enclosed CV.
Application deadline: May 5, 2022
Up to five publications selected by the applicant as most relevant should be attached to the application (if applicable). Please explain briefly your contributions when including multiple-author publications.
Printed material which cannot be sent electronically should be sent by surface mail to Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, by May ?, 2022. Please quote reference number 22/01614
Applicants invited for an interview will be asked to present verified copies of diplomas and certificates.
About The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science
The KBM faculty is located at Ås Campus, 30 km south of Oslo, and has approximately 160 employees spread over 12 research groups. We have a wide research portfolio in organic chemistry and biochemistry, including organic analysis, biological activity of organic molecules, fundamental and applied enzymology, and enzyme discovery at the cross section between chemistry and biotechnology. In the past decade, we have become a world leading environment for enzyme research, in particular LPMOs, with good infrastructure, good funding and a group of excellent, ambitious young scientists. Ås Campus is beautiful, and Oslo is only a 28 minutes train ride away.
Further information: https://www.nmbu.no/en/faculty/kbm
The Norwegian University of Life Sciences
NMBU has a particular responsibility for research and education that secures the basis for the life of future generations. Sustainability is rooted in everything we do and we deliver knowledge for life. NMBU has 1,900 employees of which about 300 phd scholarships and 6,700 students. The university is divided into seven faculties.
NMBU believes that a good working environment is characterised by diversity.
We encourage qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, functional ability, cultural background or whether you have been outside the labour market for a period. If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no.
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