{"data":{"id":208035,"slug":"postdoctoral-fellow-in-structural-studies-of-mitochondrial-dna-replication","type":"job","title":"Postdoctoral Fellow in Structural Studies of Mitochondrial DNA Replication","description":"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.\n \nSubject area \nStructural studies of mitochondrial DNA replication\n \nSubject area description \nMitochondrial 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.\nOur 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.\n \nJob assignments\nIn 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.\nThe 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.\nThe postdoctoral researcher is expected to drive the project independently while working closely with other members of the research group and our collaborators.\n \nEligibility \nThe 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.\nTo 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.\nIn 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. \n \nAssessment criteria \nWe are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a doctoral degree in structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field.\nDocumented 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.\nExperience 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.\nGreat 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.\nExcellent spoken and written English is required, as the research group operates in an international environment.\n \nRegulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.\n \nEmployment \nThe 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.\n \nContact information \nPlease contact: Maria Falkenberg, Professor, e-mail: maria.falkenberg@medkem.gu.se.\n \nUnions \nUnion 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\n \n \nApplication \nSubmit 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.  \nThe application should contain:\n \n- A cover letter giving a brief description of previous research experience, and a motivation to why you are applying\n \n- A CV including a list of publications\n \n- Contact details of two references\n \n- Proof of completed PhD\n \nApplications must be received by: 2026-10-02.\n \nInformation for International Applicants \nChoosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family\/spouse\/partner please visit: \nhttps:\/\/www.gu.se\/en\/about-the-university\/welcome-services\n \nhttps:\/\/www.movetogothenburg.com\/","language":"sv","is_translated":true,"title_original":"Postdoctoral fellow in Structural studies of mitochondrial DNA replication","description_original":"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.\n\u00a0\nSubject area\u00a0\nStructural studies of mitochondrial DNA replication\n\u00a0\nSubject area description\u00a0\nMitochondrial 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.\nOur 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.\n\u00a0\nJob assignments\nIn 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.\nThe 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.\nThe postdoctoral researcher is expected to drive the project independently while working closely with other members of the research group and our collaborators.\n\u00a0\nEligibility\u00a0\nThe 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.\nTo 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.\nIn 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.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nAssessment criteria\u00a0\nWe are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a doctoral degree in structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field.\nDocumented 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.\nExperience 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.\nGreat 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.\nExcellent spoken and written English is required, as the research group operates in an international environment.\n\u00a0\nRegulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4,\u00a0Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.\n\u00a0\nEmployment\u00a0\nThe 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.\n\u00a0\nContact information\u00a0\nPlease contact: Maria Falkenberg, Professor, e-mail: maria.falkenberg@medkem.gu.se.\n\u00a0\nUnions\u00a0\nUnion representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here:\u202fhttps:\/\/www.gu.se\/en\/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg\/how-to-apply-for-a-position#collective-agreement-and-union-representatives\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nApplication\u00a0\nSubmit your application via the University of Gothenburg\u2019s recruitment portal by clicking the \u201cApply\u201d 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. \u00a0\nThe application should contain:\n\u00a0\n- A cover letter giving a brief description of previous research experience, and a motivation to why you are applying\n\u00a0\n- A CV including a list of publications\n\u00a0\n- Contact details of two references\n\u00a0\n- Proof of completed PhD\n\u00a0\nApplications must be received by: 2026-10-02.\n\u00a0\nInformation for International Applicants\u00a0\nChoosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family\/spouse\/partner please visit:\u00a0\nhttps:\/\/www.gu.se\/en\/about-the-university\/welcome-services\n\u00a0\nhttps:\/\/www.movetogothenburg.com\/","price":null,"currency":"SEK","status":"active","noindex":true,"location":{"address":null,"full_address":null,"city":"G\u00d6TEBORG","country":"SE","latitude":57.7119231,"longitude":11.9822532},"metadata":{"region":"V\u00e4stra G\u00f6talands l\u00e4n","duration":"6 m\u00e5nader eller l\u00e4ngre","employer":"G\u00f6teborgs Universitet","postcode":"40530","positions":1,"profession":"Molekyl\u00e4rbiolog","salary_type":"Fast m\u00e5nads- vecko- eller timl\u00f6n","employer_url":"https:\/\/www.gu.se\/","scope_of_work":"100\u2013100 %","working_hours":"Heltid","employment_type":"full_time","occupation_field":"Naturvetenskap","employer_workplace":"G\u00f6teborgs Universitet (GU)","experience_required":true,"employment_type_label":"Vanlig anst\u00e4llning"},"user_id":null,"is_sponsored":false,"views_count":0,"ai_views_count":7,"bot_views_count":4,"ai_vendor_counts":{"other":3,"openai":3,"anthropic":1},"visibility":"public","submission_source":null,"submission_ai_name":null,"has_owner_email":true,"can_contact_owner":true,"phone":null,"owner_email":"maria.falkenberg@medkem.gu.se","images":[],"published_at":"2026-09-11T16:35:36+00:00","expires_at":"2026-10-02T23:59:59+00:00","created_at":"2026-09-12T03:29:51+00:00","updated_at":"2026-09-16T02:59:50+00:00"}}