PhD position in translational genomics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology at Uppsala University (www.igp.uu.se) has a broad research profile with strong research groups focused on cancer, autoimmune and genetic diseases. A fundamental idea at the department is to stimulate translational research and thereby closer interactions between medical research and health care. Research is presently conducted in the following areas: medical and clinical genetics, clinical immunology, pathology, neuro-oncology, vascular biology, radiation science and molecular tools. Department activities are also integrated with the units for Oncology, Clinical Genetics, Clinical Immunology, Clinical Pathology, and Hospital Physics at Akademiska sjukhuset, Uppsala. The department has teaching assignments in several education programmes, including Master Programmes, at the Faculty of Medicine, and in a number of educations at the Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology. The department has a yearly turnover of around SEK 375 million, out of which more than half is made up of external funding. The staff amounts to approximately 340 employees, out of which 120 are PhD-students, and there are in total more than 600 affiliated people.

Project description
Translation of findings from large-scale genetic studies for cardiometabolic risk factors in humans using zebrafish model systems.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified hundreds of genetic loci that are robustly associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis. With few exceptions, the causal genes in these loci are currently unknown. Before results from GWAS can be translated into the clinic - for example as novel biomarkers or drug targets - we need to identify and characterize the causal genes in these loci. Recent developments in CRISPR-Cas9-based mutagenesis, high-throughput imaging, and image-based analyses have highlighted the zebrafish as a promising model system for systematic, large-scale genetic screens.

The overall aim of the proposed project is to identify and characterize causal genes in GWAS-identified loci that are associated with a higher risk of obesity but a lower risk of other cardiometabolic risk factors - and vice versa - using zebrafish model systems.

The planned projects include: 1) designing and testing of CRISPR-Cas9 gRNAs for candidate genes; 2) generating and maintaining mutant lines using a multiplex approach, i.e. studying the effect of multiple genes simultaneously; 3) imaging cardiometabolic risk factors using an automated positioning system and fluorescence microscope; 4) preparing samples for additional experiments, like enzymatic assessment of whole-body lipid and glucose levels and/or cell type specific metabolomic and/or transcriptomic characterization; 5) objective quantification of imaging data; 6) quality control and analysis of sequencing results; 7) integration of multidisciplinary data and statistical analysis; and 8) dissemination into manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

The student will receive a thorough education in molecular biology, zebrafish husbandry, fluorescence microscopy, epidemiology and handling of large datasets. The student will be placed in the den Hoed research group (http://igp.uu.se/forskning/genetik_genomik/marcel-den-hoed/). The project is funded by an NIH R01 project grant.

Requirements of the applicant
Applications are accepted from highly motivated candidates with a master degree in Biomedicine, (Molecular) Medicine, Molecular (Cell) Biology or similar. Written and oral proficiency in English is a prerequisite, as are basic knowledge of, and skills in molecular biology. A successful candidate should be a highly motivated, organized, reliable team player that can also work independently. Prior knowledge and experience in fluorescence microscopy, epidemiology, bioinformatics, programming, zebrafish husbandry and/or image-based analyses are a bonus.

The application should include a cover letter describing yourself, your research interests and your experience relevant to this position; a CV/resume; a verified list of course grades; and contact details for at least two reference persons. If available, a Master thesis (completed or in draft form) and letters of recommendation can also be included.

Rules governing Ph.D. candidates are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala university's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/search/?hits=30&languageId=1&search-language_en=English

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students and teaching assistants.
 
Starting date: according to the agreement

Type of position: Full time position.

For further information about the position please contact
Marcel den Hoed, PhD, phone +46-70-425 07 52,  marcel.den_hoed@igp.uu.se

Please submit your application by 31 March 2018, UFV-PA 2018/806.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.