PhD student in Medical Cell Biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Medical Cell Biology at Uppsala University has a strong and international research environment with over 85 scientists, including around 25 PhD students, 20 postdocs and 30 researchers and professors.

Duties/Project description: Type-2 diabetes is one of the most widespread diseases of our time, and despite extensive research the underlying mechanisms causing the disease are still largely unknown. Type-2 diabetes is characterized by changes in the function of insulin- and glucagon-producing cells within the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. These changes are, at least in part, due to alterations in cellular metabolism and protein synthesis. Primary cilia are small protrusions found on the surface of most cells, but their function is not well understood. The aim of this project is to determine the role of primary cilia in the regulation of hormone secretion from pancreatic islet cells, and to investigate if primary cilia function is altered in diabetes.

The student is to design and produce biosensors that enable real-time visualization of signaling within primary cilia of intact islets of Langerhans. Advanced fluorescence microscopy and optogenetics will be used to visualize cilia and to perturb their normal function. The functional relevance of cilia will be evaluated using both biochemical and transcriptomic/proteomic approaches. Participation in teaching and other departmental tasks (maximum 20%) will also be part of the job.

Requirements: The person we are seeking to recruit should have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in medicine, biomedicine, biology, biotechnology or similar. Documented experience of molecular biology and biochemistry is a prerequisite. The candidate is required to have excellent skills in both spoken and written English. The applicant must be highly motivated, well-structured and be able to work efficiently both alone and in groups.

Additional qualifications: Experience of using fluorescence microscopy to image living cells and of image analysis will be considered favorably. Personal qualities, such as ability to lead projects and interact with other researchers, are also important.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/?languageId=1.

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.
 
Starting date: 01-02-2020 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Olof Idevall, 018-471 4428, olof.idevall@mcb.uu.se 

Please submit your application by the 14th of November 2019, UFV-PA 2019/3419.

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.