Research Assistant for Spinning Artificial Spider Silk

Department of Animal Biosciences

Join our innovative spider silk research team and be at the forefront of groundbreaking technology! Our research group is dedicated to unravelling the secrets of how spider spin their silk which has allowed us to develop a biomimetic method to spin artificial spider silk. Recently, we developed a metod for producing kilograms of spider silk proteins, which allows us to characterize and improve our spinning methodology far beyond what has previously been possible. Now, we seek a talented research assistant to produce, purify and characterize recombinant spider silk proteins and versions thereof. 

About the position

You will be part of an excellent team consisting 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 centred around production, purification and characterization of different spider silk proteins. You will use several different expression systems and purification methods, and biophysical techniques for protein characterization (e.g. CD and FTIR spectroscopy). In addition to basic biochemical understanding, prior hands-on experience of expressing and purifying recombinant proteins using several different methods is required. 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. In addition, you will participate in analyzing and interpreting the data, and present your work in oral and written forms.

Your profile

Key qualifications include:

•  Bachelor's degree (or higher) in relevant subjects such as Biotechnology, Molecular biology or Protein Biochemistry. Alternatively, several years of working experience in one of these fields.
•  Previous extensive practical experience of production and purification of recombinant proteins is required
•  Excellent command of English, with a minimum C1 level in reading, writing, and listening.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Positive and Ambitious: Enthusiastic and driven to contribute to pioneering research and development.
• Precise: You need to follow protocols precisely, and develop/write new when required.
• Collaborative: Enjoys working in a team-oriented environment and effectively communicates with colleagues.
• Deadline-Oriented: Able to manage time efficiently and meet project deadlines.
• Passionate about lab work related to protein biochemistry and biotechnology.

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.

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, which vouch for a continued high level of research activities. We are dedicated, ambitious and have a friendly and helpful atmosphere. In addition, by being part of our group you will gain access to a large number of cutting-edge instruments for protein production, biophysical characterization, and fiber spinning. You can read more about us here: CV/Anna-Rising

The department 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. Our research covers everything from production animals to sports and pet animals, laboratory animals and wild animals. The department's researchers work on the entire scale from molecular mechanisms and microbiology to the structure, function and behaviour of animals, and how these are affected by breeding, physical activity, care, production, stress, environmental factors and diseases. For more information about the department visit: Department/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:

Applicants must attach three or four documents: a CV including contact information, and contact information for at least two references. A cover letter describing the applicant's background, expertise, and previous experiences (Maximum two A4 pages). 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.

Please submit your application before deadline 9 October 2025. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

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.