Research Assistant in Bacterial Atomic Force Microscopy

Göteborgs Universitet · Full-time

Göteborg, Sweden

University of Gothenburg meets society's challenges with diverse expertise. 58,000 students and 6,800 employees make the university a large and inspiring workplace. Strong research and attractive educational programs attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, University of Gothenburg contributes to a better future. The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology conducts high-quality research and education in chemical sciences and molecular life sciences. Our research and education focus on a deep understanding of chemical and biological processes in cells and in the environment. We are responsible for research education in the subject area Natural Sciences with a focus on chemistry, biophysics, biology, and educational science. Additionally, the department hosts educational programs in molecular biology, bioinformatics, chemistry, organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacy education. The department is an international environment with interdisciplinary collaborations in both research and education, and contributes strongly to University of Gothenburg's top ranking in life science. The department's activities are conducted in Natrium, Medicinareberget in Gothenburg. Johannes Thoma's group characterizes natural bacterial membranes to understand how proteins and other biomolecules interact with complex cellular environments and what roles these environments play in antimicrobial resistance. A specific focus is on the nanomechanical effects of antimicrobial molecules on the outer membranes of pathogenic gram-negative bacteria. Responsibilities The successful candidate will participate in an experimental research project investigating membrane perforation formation by various antimicrobial peptides on living bacterial cells using high-resolution atomic force microscopy. The candidate will optimize immobilization strategies for bacterial cells on flat surfaces suitable for atomic force microscopy and visualize at high resolution the morphological changes that occur during membrane dissolution. Responsibilities include: Conduct studies of antimicrobial peptides' effects on bacterial cell envelopes using atomic force microscopy. Optimize methods for immobilizing living bacterial cells for AFM imaging. Process and analyze AFM and fluorescence microscopy data. Conduct fluorescence microscopy experiments with living bacterial cells. Culture and handle bacterial cells, including genetically modified strains. Perform enzymatic and fluorescence-based analyses of membrane permeabilization. Document and present experimental results and contribute to the research group's other experimental work. Qualifications Requirements for employment Must have at least a completed bachelor's degree or an ongoing master's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, or equivalent relevant subject area. Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written. Documented experience with atomic force microscopy of biological samples, including practical experience with sample preparation, immobilization, and imaging. Documented experience with fluorescence microscopy of bacterial cells. Experience with surface modification and surface functionalization for biological and/or microscopic applications. Documented practical experience working with living bacterial cells. Experience with antimicrobial peptides or other membrane-active substances. Experience with general molecular biology methods and work with genetically modified bacteria. Experience working with bacterial outer membranes and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Meritorious for employment Experience with protein purification and protein biochemical methods. Experience with fluorescence-based analyses of bacterial membrane permeabilization. Experience with microfluidics-based live-cell fluorescence microscopy. Experience with image processing and analysis of microscopy data. Employment The position is a fixed-term appointment for six months on a full-time basis, 100 percent, placed for the time being at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology. Contact information for the position If you have questions about the position, you are welcome to contact Johannes Thoma, email: [email protected]. Trade unions Trade union representatives at University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/jobba-hos-oss/sa-blir-du-en-av-oss#kollektivavtal-och-fackliga-foretradare Application You apply for the position via University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal ReachMee by clicking the "Apply" button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the job posting and that it is submitted to the university no later than the deadline. The application must be written in English and contain: Curriculum vitae/CV. Contact information for at least two references. Copy of degree certificate and other certificates/grades that you wish to reference. The cited qualifications must be documented and certified. They must be translated into English if they are in a language other than Swedish or English. All attachments must be named in a way that clearly shows their content. You apply for the position via University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal by clicking the "Apply" button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the job posting and that it is submitted to the university no later than the deadline. Application deadline: 2026-10-12 The university actively works for a work environment with equal conditions and values the qualities that diversity brings to the organization. The university applies individual salary setting. According to the National Archives' regulations, the university is required to keep application documents for two years after the recruitment decision. If you as an applicant specifically request the return of your documents, they will be returned after the two years have elapsed; otherwise they will be destroyed. To staffing and recruitment companies and to you as a salesperson: University of Gothenburg uses contracted advertisement agencies in connection with staff recruitment. We politely but firmly decline direct contact from staffing and recruitment companies as well as sellers of job advertisements.