Postdoctoral fellow in Structural studies of mitochondrial DNA replication

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Institute of Biomedicine is involved in both research and education. In both of these areas, we focus on fundamental knowledge of the living cell – what it consists of, how it works, how its function is directed by the genetic material, and how it interacts with various kinds of micro-organisms. Using this knowledge, we try to elucidate the causes of diseases, and find new ways to diagnose and treat them.

The Institute is composed of the following four departments

• The Department of Infectious Diseases

• The Department of Microbiology and Immunology

• The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology

• The Department of Laboratory Medicine

At present, the institute has about 360 employees and approximately 450 million SEK in total assets

This postdoctoral position is part of a research project funded by a Wallenberg Scholar grant. The postdoctoral researcher will work in an interdisciplinary team with expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry and structural biology. The project aims to understand the molecular mechanisms that govern mitochondrial DNA replication and gene expression, and how defects in these processes contribute to human disease.

Subject area

Structural studies of mitochondrial DNA replication

Subject area description

Mitochondrial DNA replication is essential for maintaining mtDNA integrity and stability and thereby for normal mitochondrial function and cellular energy production. Defects in the replication process can lead to mtDNA depletion or deletions and cause mitochondrial disease.

Our research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms that govern replication of human mtDNA. We combine structural biology, in vitro biochemistry and cell biology to investigate how the mitochondrial DNA replication machinery is organized and regulated. A particular focus is on structural and functional studies of the protein complexes involved in mtDNA replication and on understanding how disease-associated mutations affect these processes.

Job assignments

In this project, In this project, the postdoctoral researcher will carry out structural and functional studies of protein and protein-DNA complexes involved in mitochondrial DNA replication. A central aim will be to determine structures of replication complexes using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and use these structures to understand how the proteins interact and regulate mtDNA replication at the molecular level.

The work will include preparation and biochemical characterization of protein complexes, cryo-EM sample preparation and grid optimization, as well as processing and structural analysis of cryo-EM data. Structural findings will be combined with in vitro biochemical analyses to test mechanistic models and investigate how disease-associated mutations affect the function of the replication machinery.

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to drive the project independently while working closely with other members of the research group and our collaborators.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made.

In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.

Assessment criteria

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a doctoral degree in structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field.

Documented experience in structural studies of proteins or macromolecular complexes using cryo-electron microscopy is required. Experience in protein purification and protein biochemistry is also required.

Experience in single-particle cryo-EM, including sample preparation, grid optimization, data processing and structural analysis, is particularly meritorious. Experience in structural studies of protein-DNA complexes is a strong advantage. Knowledge of mitochondrial systems and experience in cloning, mutagenesis, protein expression, cell culture and in vitro biochemical analyses are considered merits.

Great emphasis will be placed on scientific skills and the ability to independently plan, carry out and analyse research. The work involves close collaboration both within and outside the research group, making good teamwork and communication skills important. The candidate is expected to have strong scientific curiosity and the ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Excellent spoken and written English is required, as the research group operates in an international environment.

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Employment

The employment is full time and temporary, two years with the possibility of one year's extension, with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed.

Contact information

Please contact: Maria Falkenberg, Professor, e-mail: maria.falkenberg@medkem.gu.se.

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here:  https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply-for-a-position#collective-agreement-and-union-representatives

Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.

The application should contain

• A cover letter giving a brief description of previous research experience, and a motivation to why you are applying
• A CV including a list of publications
• Contact details of two references
• Proof of completed PhD

Applications must be received by: 2026-10-02. Information for International Applicants

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In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

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