Postdoctoral position in functional 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 400 million, out of which more than half is made up of external funding. The staff amounts to approximately 340 employees, out of which 100 are PhD-students, and there are in total more than 600 affiliated people.

Lars Feuk and his research group (http://www.igp.uu.se/research/genetics_genomics/lars_feuk/? languageId=1) use different sequencing approaches to study genetic variation and gene expression. The studies are focused on identification of genetic variation and gene expression changes associated with intellectual disability and schizophrenia. Studies of intellectual disability are based on whole genome sequencing of patients and their parents. New mutations can then be identified and further evaluated using traditional molecular biology. This aspect of the research is performed in collaboration with clinical genetics Unit at Uppsala University Hospital.
Studies in schizophrenia are performed on brain tissue samples from patients in order to identify genes and pathways that are differentially expressed between patients and controls. The data is also used to further characterize specific types of RNA. These include circular RNA (circRNA) that have recently been shown to be abundant in human cells. A project has now been initiated to focus specifically on methods and analyses to increase the understanding of circRNA and elucidate their role in disease.

Work description:
The project is focused on investigating circular RNA, a relatively new form of transcript that has been to shown to be important for regulation of gene expression. In this project we plan to experimentally study circular RNA in cells and tissues, and also investigate circular RNA in patients with schizophrenia. We want to study the effects of using CRISPR mediated knockout of genes that give rise to circular RNA and evaluate methods for visualization of circular RNA in cells and tissues. The ability to analyze and statistically evaluate data will also be important for the work. The tasks include planning and implementation of projects, compilation and analysis of data, as well as the writing of manuscripts for publication. As the field is developing rapidly, an individual with the ability to stay informed and to test, evaluate and adjust experimental analyses is required. The work includes contribution to the writing of applications and assistance in supervision of PhD students and students, at most 20%.

Qualifications:
PhD in the field of molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedicine or similar. To be eligible to apply you must have a PhD completed within three years of the application deadline. If you received your PhD earlier but special circumstances exist you are also eligible to apply. In addition, documented experience of working with knockdown or knockout in human cells, working with RNA and DNA and have significant experience in molecular biology techniques. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required as well as demonstrated experience in compiling and publishing scientific papers in related fields. As the field is developing rapidly, an individual with the ability to test, evaluate and adjust analyses is required.

Merits:
Knowledge in bioinformatics such as using R or scripting is a plus. Experience using CRISPR or working with circRNA is viewed favorably. Significant emphasis will be placed on academic skills, good collaboration skills and ability to work independently. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

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.

Application: The application should contain an application letter with the motivation to join the group, curriculum vitae and list of scientific publications of the candidate. The name and contact details of the PhD supervisor should also be included.

Salary: According to individual qualifications

Start date: as soon as possible or according to agreement

Form of employment: general temporary employment of two years

Extent of employment: 100%

For more information contact:
Lars Feuk, 018-471 4827, mailto:lars.feuk@igp.uu.se

You are welcome to apply no later than August 10th, 2018. UFV-PA 2018/2581.