Postdoctoral Fellow in Environmental Investigations of Thiamine Deficiency

The Department of Environmental Science (ACES) is one of the largest departments in the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University. The Department is divided into four units with more than 170 researchers, teachers, doctoral students and technical/administrative staff from over 30 countries. Research and teaching focuses on chemical contaminants, atmospheric science, biogeochemistry and (eco)toxicology. As an employee at the Department of Environmental Science you will be part of a dynamic environment with work being done in leading research areas and with a strong international profile. Environmental science tackles urgent global challenges which as a purpose want to solve Real-World Problem, a fact that underline the importance of this project.  More information about us, please visit: The Department of Environmental Science.

Project description

Previous studies have shown that many animal species from various animal classes have a severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency on the northern hemisphere. Thiamine is an essential vitamin for at least five different enzymes in almost every biological cell. As a consequence of this fact the clinical sign in cases of thiamine deficiency is numerous and severe. Our all-embracing work (https://www.tiaminbrist.se/), at different location with different species showing severe thiamine deficiency has resulted in knowledge, that a working hypothesis of its cause and origin could be formed from.

The complete intentions of this projects are to discover the mechanism and responsible compound(s) that cause thiamine deficiency in our surrounding ecosystem.

Work to characterize thiamine status include chemical analysis of thiamine and its different phosphorylated forms, as well as biochemical enzymatic analysis, and then both holoenzyme and apoenzyme should be included. We have recently employed a postdoc for the necessary chemical analytical work using high-resolution mass spectrometry that needs to be done in this project. Now we are searching a postdoc that could handle the biochemical/enzymological work that needs to be done in parallel to the chemical analytical work. This work should be done in close cooperation with the chemical analytical work in the project, and needs good sense of order and great accuracy.

The biochemical postdoc scientist is now needed to work with plant material from field samples as well as from plant incubators at the laboratory, when specific substances are investigated to evaluate its potential impact on thiamine status. Previous biochemical work with plant materials as well as experience from the enzymes involved in cellular carbohydrate metabolism is beneficial. The overall aims of this projects are to discover the mechanism and responsible compound(s) that cause thiamine deficiency in our surrounding ecosystem. In summary, it is a strong merit if you have previous experience of working with enzyme assays in a wet-lab in a biochemical environment.

Main responsibilities

This postdoctoral fellow will be supervised by Prof. Lennart Balk and Dr. Dennis Lindqvist. The successful candidate might also work with co-workers at Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), for method development.

Qualification requirements

Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria

The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process special attention will be given to demonstrable research skills in biochemical work with plant material, including enzyme activity measurement and experience of kinetic analysis of enzyme activity measurements. Purification experience of enzymes involved in the intermediary metabolism is also beneficial. Furthermore, driving license for an ordinary passenger car will be considered an asset due to field sampling, but is not necessary.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from the Professor Lennart Balk, phone: +46 73 692 34 68, lennart.balk@aces.su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.