Project: Chlamydia trachomatis, an obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen, is a leading cause of sexually transmitted diseases and blinding eye infections. In its host cell, the pathogen replicates within a membrane-bound vacuole known as the inclusion. Previous research has underscored the crucial role of inclusion integrity in shielding the pathogen from host cellular defenses. This project represents a collaborative endeavor in which we aim to combine our expertise in the molecular genetic analysis of Chlamydia-host interactions with our collaborator’s (Max Renner, Umeå University) expertise in cryo-electron tomographic investigations of intracellular infections to reveal how Chlamydia inclusions are stabilized. To achieve this, we aim to jointly recruit a postdoc, who will employ a correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) approach to localize inclusions under cryogenic conditions, prepare cells for imaging by focused ion-beam milling, and collect cryo-ET data. The resulting 3D reconstructions will allow us to define and quantify interactions with host factors, such as of the cytoskeleton and neighboring organelles, at ultra-high resolutions. In later stages, we will use genetic and pharmacologic approaches to perturb the system and study the consequences on inclusion stability. We anticipate that this research will significantly advance our understanding of how the pathogen maintains its intracellular refuge. It may also uncover strategies for intentional inclusion destabilization, potentially paving the way for new therapeutic interventions.

Environment: This project represents a collaboration between two research groups (the groups of Barbara Sixt and Max Renner) at Umeå University (located in Umeå, Sweden). The postdoc to be recruited will also be affiliated with the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), a part of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, and the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), providing a stimulating, collaborative, and highly international environment with excellent access to modern research facilities. The city Umeå itself combines a rich cultural life with exceptional closeness to nature and is particularly welcoming to internationals.

Qualifications: To be eligible for the postdoc program, candidates must hold a university degree equivalent to a European University PhD degree in a relevant field. This requirement must be fulfilled no later than the application closing date. Furthermore, candidates should have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the closing date of the application. However, if there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area. To be considered for the project, candidates must have documented practical experience in molecular biology techniques and mammalian cell culture. Previous practical experience in conducting infection experiments with intracellular bacterial pathogens is a desirable skill, as is previous experience in electron microscopic investigations. Candidates should be passionate about science, willing to take on scientific challenges, and committed to highest quality research. Candidates are expected to be proficient in written and spoken English, to work as part of an interactive team, to participate in the mentoring of less experienced team members, and to have the capacity to individually develop and drive a research project.

Project duration: 2 years (with possibility for further prolongation depending on satisfactory performance and availability of funding)

Application: The project is part of the ‘Excellence by Choice’ Postdoctoral Programme at Umeå University. Further practical information and information about how to apply to the project can be found here: https://www.umu.se/en/ucmr/ec-postdoc-programme/excellence-by-choice–postdoctoral-programme-in-life-science-call-4/ In your application, indicate your interest in project 5 (Mapping the ultrastructure of Chlamydia’s parasitophorous vacuole). Application deadline: 8 September 2024.

Potential applicants are also welcome to contact Barbara Sixt (barbara.sixt@umu.se) in advance for additional information about the project and the program. Please be aware that this does not replace the need to submit an application via the online application portal.

To find out more about the labs and research environment, visit the following websites:

• The Sixt Lab: http://www.sixtlab.org/
• The Renner lab: https://renner-lab.com/
• Umeå University: http://www.umu.se/en/
• Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR): http://www.ucmr.umu.se
• The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS): http://www.mims.umu.se/
• Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine: https://projects.au.dk/nordic-embl-partnership/
• Umeå PostDoc Society: https://umeapostdocsociety.se/