Research Assistant in bacterial atomic force microscopy

University of Gothenburg meets societal challenges with versatile knowledge. 58,000 students and 6,800 employees make the university a large and inspiring workplace. Strong research and attractive education attract researchers and students from all over 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 within 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 doctoral education within the subject area Natural Sciences with a focus on chemistry, biophysics, biology, and educational science. Additionally, the department hosts degree programs in molecular biology, bioinformatics, chemistry, organic chemistry, and medicinal chemistry, as well as the culinary arts program. 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 lies on the nanomechanical effects of antimicrobial molecules on the outer membranes of pathogenic gram-negative bacteria.

Tasks

The successful candidate will participate in an experimental research project investigating the formation of membrane perforation 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 with high resolution the morphological changes that occur during membrane dissolution.

The tasks include:

Conduct studies of antimicrobial peptides' effects on bacterial cell envelopes using atomic force microscopy. Optimize methods for immobilization of living bacterial cells for AFM imaging. Process and analyze AFM and fluorescence microscopy data. Conduct fluorescence microscopy experiments with living bacterial cells. Cultivate and handle bacterial cells, including genetically modified strains. Perform enzymatic and fluorescence-based analyses of membrane permeabilization. Document and present experimental results as well as contribute to the research group's other experimental work.

Qualifications

Requirements for the position

At least a completed bachelor's degree or an ongoing master's within molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, or an equivalent relevant subject area. Very good knowledge of English, both oral and written. Documented experience of atomic force microscopy of biological samples, including practical experience in sample preparation, immobilization, and imaging. Documented experience of fluorescence microscopy of bacterial cells. Experience of surface modification and surface functionalization for biological and/or microscopic applications. Documented practical experience of working with living bacterial cells. Experience of working with antimicrobial peptides or other membrane-active substances. Experience of general molecular biology methods and working with genetically modified bacteria. Experience of working with bacterial outer membranes and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs).

Meritorious for the position

Experience of protein purification and protein biochemical methods. Experience of fluorescence-based analyses of bacterial membrane permeabilization. Experience of microfluidics-based live-cell fluorescence microscopy. Experience of image processing and analysis of microscopy data.

Employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment for six months at full-time, 100 percent with placement until further notice 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, e-mail: mailto:johannes.thoma@gu.se.

Trade union organizations

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 "Ansök" button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it is provided to the university no later than the application deadline.

The application must be written in English and include:

Curriculum vitae/CV. Contact information for at least two references. Copy of degree certificates as well as other certificates/grades that you wish to invoke. The invoked merits must be documented and certified. They must be translated into English if they are in languages 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 "Ansök" button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it is provided to the university no later than the application deadline.

Application must be received no later than: 2026-10-12

The university actively works for a work environment with equal conditions and values the qualities diversity brings to the operations. The university applies individual salary setting. According to the National Archives' regulations, the university is obliged to keep application documents for two years after the appointment decision. If you, as an applicant for a position, specifically request your documents back, they will be returned after the two years have passed; otherwise, they will be discarded. To staffing and recruitment companies and to you who are a salesperson: University of Gothenburg employs a tendered advertising agency in connection with the recruitment of personnel. We politely but firmly decline direct contact with staffing and recruitment companies as well as sellers of job advertisements.