1 Research engineer 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 420 million, out of which more than half is made up of external funding. The staff amounts to approximately 345 employees, out of which 100 are PhD-students, and there are in total more than 700 affiliated people.

1 Research engineer position in translational genomics - Translation of findings from large-scale genetic association studies for cardiometabolic diseases in humans using zebrafish model systems.

Project description: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified hundreds of genetic loci that are robustly associated with cardiometabolic risk factors and diseases. With few exceptions, the causal genes in these loci remain uncharacterised. Before results from GWAS can be translated into the clinic - for example as novel biomarkers or drug targets - we need to identify and characterise causal genes and mechanisms. 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 in vivo.

The overall aim of the project is to identify and characterise causal genes in GWAS-identified loci for cardiometabolic risk factors and diseases using zebrafish model systems.

The planned project aims to use validated image- and CRISPR/Cas9 based zebrafish model systems to characterise 200 candidate genes with an anticipated role in cardiometabolic diseases. The successful candidate will be an instrumental player in a team that will otherwise consist of the PI, a project coordinator, research engineers, post-doctoral researchers and PhD students.

Duties: The research engineer will be responsible for implementing routines in our zebrafish facility to optimise zebrafish line maintenance as well as zebrafish health, fertility and fecundity. Other key tasks include: 1) CRISPR gRNA synthesis and microinjections to generate founders; 2) testing the mutagenic efficiency of gRNAs using fragment length PCR analysis (FLA); 3) imaging larvae for disease-related traits using an automated positioning system and fluorescence microscope; 4) preparing samples for additional experiments, like biochemistry and sequencing or FLA; 5) objective quantification of imaging data using existing pipelines; and 6) data management and quality control of data. Weekend work can occur.

Successful candidates will be placed in the den Hoed research group (http://igp.uu.se/forskning/ genetik_genomik/marcel-den-hoed/). The project is funded by a collaboration with industry.

Requirements: Applications are accepted from highly motivated candidates with a degree in Marine Biology or similar and at least two years of experience working with zebrafish as a research animal. Experience working with automated fluorescence microscopy is also a prerequisite. A successful candidate should be a highly motivated, organised, reliable team player that can also work independently. Being able to plan ahead and prioritise in accordance with project goals and deadlines are essential characteristics of a successful candidate. Prior knowledge of, and experience in zebrafish husbandry is required. Prior knowledge of and experience with microinjections, CRISPR-based mutagenesis, data handling and/or image-based analyses are merits. Written and oral proficiency in English are a requirement.

The application should include a cover letter describing yourself, your research interests, your experience with each of the tasks described above, and your availability. A CV; a verified list of course grades; and contact details for at least two reference persons should also be included. A BSc and/or MSc certificate, and letters of recommendation can also be included.

Salary: Individual salary.

Starting date: 01-08-2020 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Permanent position, probationary period may be applied.

Scope of employment: 100 %

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 July 16 2020, UFV-PA 2020/2562.

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.