Ajankohtaista

Postdoctoral Researcher in Biochemistry / Enzymology

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Aalto University is a community of bold thinkers where science and art meet technology and business. We are committed to identifying and solving grand societal challenges and building an innovative future. Aalto has six schools with nearly 11 000 students and a staff of more than 4000, of which 400 are professors. Our main campus is located in Espoo, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The Biochemistry group (https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-bioproducts-and-biosystems/biochemistry) develops metabolic pathways and enzymes for the conversion of CO2 to fuels. For the project “ETHANOGENESIS” sponsored by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, we are looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher in Biochemistry / Enzymology

Research description

The goal is to functionally express and test key enzymes for the conversion of CO2 to fuels. The postdoc position is focussed on metalorganic enzymes involved in the transfer of alkyl-groups, which require oxygen-sensitive cofactors harbouring reduced metal centres, such as Co or Ni. The actual research is on a fundamental level, but the long-term goal is designing new routes to generate renewable fuels from CO2.

Research is carried out at our excellent facilities at Aalto University, School of Chemical Engineering (http://www.bioeconomyinfra.fi/). The laboratories are situated on the main campus of Aalto University in Otaniemi (short metro-ride from Helsinki) within the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-bioproducts-and-biosystems).

Your experience and ambitions

• recently obtained PhD (max 5 years) in a suitable field, such as biochemistry, enzyme engineering, (bio)organic chemistry
• Enzymology, expression and functional studies of enzymes
• Be highly committed to science and strive for excellence
• Develop own smart ideas and think independently
• Be able to focus on solving tough scientific problems
• Have good written and oral communication skills in English

Skills, knowledge or interest in some of the following areas are highly appreciated:

• Experience in working with oxygen-sensitive enzymes
• Experience with microbes and enzymes related to the reductive acetyl-CoA pathway
• Advanced spectroscopic methods (HPLC, NMR, EPR, etc.)

We offer

• High-end laboratory infrastructure and friendly colleagues
• Opportunity to join a young, ambitious research group
• Freedom to bring in own ideas
• Funding secured until 31 May 2024

The monthly gross salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is 3560–4040 €/month depending on experience.

The contract includes occupational health care and Finland has a comprehensive social security system. Aalto University provides excellent learning and development opportunities, commuter ticket benefit and Unisport offers versatile exercise services with staff discount.

Ready to apply?

If you want to join our community, please submit your application, through our recruitment system from the link below, before Jan 31, 2023. To apply, please share the following application materials with us (only pdf documents):

• Cover letter (start as follows: “I am interested in this position because… “)
• CV, incl. list of publications
• Research interest description
• Names and contact details of references (or to be provided upon request)

For more information

For additional scientific information, please contact Prof. Silvan Scheller (firstname.lastname@aalto.fi).

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos: Aalto University – Towards a better world, Aalto People, and Shaping a Sustainable Future. You can also check out our webpage about Aalto and Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/welcome-to-aalto-university-and-finland-info-package and our new virtual campus experience: https://virtualtour.aalto.fi/.

Doctoral Researchers (PhD students) in DNA nanotechnology, molecular self-assembly, active plasmonics and artificial molecular machines

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Molecular Nanoengineering group at the Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University (Finland),

is looking for motivated and talented doctoral researchers (PhD students) with an aptitude for interdisciplinary experimental research and interest in DNA nanotechnology, molecular self-assembly, active plasmonics and artificial molecular machines.

The positions are fully funded by the ERC Consolidator Grant “Electrically driven DNA-origami-based machines” (EDRIVE).

Your role and goals

You will work on design, fabrication, and characterization of electrically driven nanoscale molecular machines. As a member of the group, you will be trained in advanced methods in DNA nanotechnology (especially DNA origami), and state-of-the-art electron beam and optical microscopy and nanoscopy techniques. Depending on the background and scientific interests, your research will be directed either towards i) fabrication of active plasmonic surfaces and biosensors; or ii) construction of artificial molecular motors. We expect you to propose and develop scientific ideas and technical solutions (both individually and as part of a team), write scientific articles and contribute to teaching.  

Your experience and background

We expect the candidates to hold a MSc degree and/or have solid background at least in one of the following areas: applied physics, bionanotechnology, physical chemistry, material science, chemical engineering.  Previous experience in nanomicroscopy (AFM, TEM, SEM), DNA nanotechnology, colloidal synthesis, super resolution microscopy and nanophotonics is an advantage. Furthermore, the candidate should have good communication skills, good analytical and experimental skills and ability to work independently toward the goals of his/her project.

The position requires excellent written and spoken English.

Your team

The Molecular Nanoengineering group operates at the interface of nanoscience, DNA nanotechnology, molecular self-assembly and nanophotonics with particular focus on DNA-based self-assembled systems with functionalities tailored for biosensing, active plasmonics and nanomachinery. The group is led by Associate Professor Anton Kuzyk.

For examples of our previous research see

https://scholar.google.fi/citations?user=yL5QQkwAAAAJ&hl=en

What we offer

The expected duration of doctoral studies is four years. The initial contract is made for one year and the extension is subject to the progress of studies and research. Starting salary is approximately 2600€/month and will increase over time according to the salary system of Aalto University. The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare.

Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering is located at the Aalto University Otaniemi Campus which provides highly motivating multidisciplinary international research environment with excellent facilities and instrumentation.

Get to know our campus via Aalto University Virtual Tour.

Ready to apply

Apply through the link ”Apply now” at the bottom right corner of this page, and include the following items as a single pdf document in English:

• Curriculum vitae (no size limit)
• Transcript of academic records (no size limit)
• Description of research skills, experience and publications (no size limit)
• Short statement of interest and motivation (max 1 page)
• Recommendation letter(s) or names and contact details of your previous supervisors

The positions will be filled as soon as suitable candidates are identified.

More Information

Contact Prof. Anton Kuzyk (anton.kuzyk@aalto.fi) for additional information on the research topics and HR Partner Mari Kaarni on the application process (mari.kaarni@aalto.fi ). Please check the guidelines for doctoral admission at Aalto University (https://into.aalto.fi/display/endoctoralsci/How+to+apply).