Research Assistant for Spinning Artificial Spider Silk

Department of Animal Biosciences Join our innovative spider silk research team and be part to transform textile manufacturing with cutting-edge, sustainable materials! Our research group is dedicated to unraveling the secrets of how spiders spin their silk, which has allowed us to develop a biomimetic method to spin artificial spider silk. We recently achieved a breakthrough that enabled us to produce kilograms of spider silk proteins, significantly advancing our ability to refine and optimize spinning methods beyond what was previously possible. Now, we seek a talented research assistant to help create the world's first biomimetic spider silk yarn.  About the position You will be part of an excellent team of several PhD students, Postdocs, and Researchers who work on different projects related to biotechnological methods for producing recombinant silk proteins, characterization of these, spinning of fibers, protein engineering, and material characterization. Your work will be centered around spinning artificial spider silk and supporting researchers in investigating how different parameters affect the mechanical properties of the silk, which requires out-of-the-box thinking and creativity to tackle technical challenges. Apart from a basic biochemical understanding, prior technical experience would be highly useful as you will be involved in designing and testing custom-made equipment. The applicant is expected to actively engage in the project, interact with the other team members, be active at journal clubs and meetings, write reports, and have a positive attitude. You will be involved in planning and executing the experimental work with your colleagues. In addition, you will participate in analyzing and interpreting the data. You are also expected to present your work in oral and written forms. Your profile Key qualifications include: • Bachelor's degree (or higher) in relevant subjects such as Material Science and Engineering, Biotechnology, Protein Biochemistry, Bioprocessing, Mechanical Engineering, or Polymer Science, or several years of working experience in one of these fields. • Previous experience in fiber spinning or demonstrable technical skills is advantageous. • An understanding of what proteins are, how they are produced, and how to handle them is highly recommended. • Excellent command of English, with a minimum C1 level in reading, writing, and listening. We are looking for someone who is: • Positive and Ambitious: Driven to contribute to cutting-edge research. • Precise: Handling micrometric fibers, requires high sensitivity, steady hands, and attention to detail. • Collaborative: Team player with strong communication skills. • Deadline-Oriented: Manages time well and meets deadlines. If you are passionate about cutting-edge materials science, we encourage you to apply. About us The spider silk biomimetics group at SLU is a highly productive and successful group that has secured several significant grants from the European Research Council, the Olle Engkvist Stiftelse, and Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. We are dedicated, ambitious and have a friendly and helpful atmosphere. In addition, by being part of our group you will gain access to many cutting-edge instruments for protein production, biophysical characterization, and fiber spinning. Read more about us here: https://www.slu.se/en/ew-cv/anna-rising/ The department of Animal Biosciences is part of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science and is responsible for education and research in several basic and applied areas. These areas include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, genetics, breeding, immunology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, epizootology, comparative medicine, food safety, bioinformatics, and One Health.  For more information about the department visit: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/Animal-Biosciences/ Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Location: Uppsala Form of employment: Indefinite-term employment. SLU may use probationary employment. Scope: 100% Start date: As agreed. Application: Please submit your application before deadline 15 May 2025. You can submit your application by clicking the button below. Applicants must attach three or four documents: CV including contact information and contact information for at least two references who know the applicant and their qualifications. A cover letter describing the applicant's background, expertise, previous experiences, and a justification for the applicant's relevance to obtain the position (Maximum two A4 pages). We also encourage applicants to state why they find this position interesting. Copy of a diploma (Bachelor's degree or higher). An official English proficiency certificate is required if the applicant is from outside the EU and does not have English as their mother tongue.  The appointment will be offered to the applicant who, following a qualitative comprehensive assessment, is deemed to have the best skill set to conduct and develop the duties in question and contribute to the positive development of the organisation. Union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/ The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.