Postdoc in Transaminase Biocatalysis for Industrial Applications

Job description

We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow who wants to contribute to the sustainable medical industry of the future through world-class research in biocatalysis and industrial biotechnology.

The Department of Industrial Biotechnology at KTH conducts internationally leading research in biocatalysis and enzyme technology. The overall goal of this project is to develop sustainable and efficient biocatalytic processes for the synthesis of industrially important fine chemicals. The project is carried out in close collaboration with AstraZeneca in Sweden and the UK, which provides a unique opportunity to work at the interface between academic research and industrial application. The research includes the development of immobilized transaminases, modification and characterization of thermostable enzymes, and enzymological studies of inhibition and enzyme performance under industrial process conditions.

The position offers a stimulating international research environment with opportunities to build a strong academic and industrial network through collaborations with leading researchers and companies. The results are expected to be disseminated through scientific publications, conferences and close collaboration with industrial partners. Some teaching and supervision may be included in the position.

The position is part of KTH's strategic initiative PROCEED in Södertälje, which creates an internationally attractive research environment in close collaboration with, among others, AstraZeneca and Traton/Scania. Regular physical presence with the industry partner is included as an important part of the position to enable close collaboration between academia and industry.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Demonstrated research expertise in chemistry and biocatalysis.
• Experience in molecular biology and protein production.
• Interest in molecular modeling and enzymology.
• Familiarity with research and publication ethics.
• Fluency in speaking and writing English, since this is required in the daily work.
• Experience in writing scientific publications.
• Experience of supervising BSc and MSc students.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
• Awareness of sustainable development and green chemistry.
• Experience in enzyme immobilization and reaction scale-up.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Join us at KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work and grow at KTH.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• A brief cover letter describing your interest in this position, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximum two pages long.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Other information

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

1. Per Berglund, [email protected]