Research assistant 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 450 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.

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 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 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 ongoing projects is to identify and characterise causal genes in GWAS-identified loci for cardiometabolic risk factors and diseases using image and CRISPR/Cas9-based zebrafish model systems.

Work description: The successful candidate will largely be responsible for daily operations in our group’s dedicated zebrafish room, including zebrafish care taking and line maintenance; planning; crossing; pre-screening for the presence of fluorescently labelled transgenes; and preparing of larvae for screening. Additional tasks consist of helping with microinjections; imaging of larvae for disease-related traits using a semi-automated positioning system and fluorescence microscope; and preparing samples for additional experiments, like biochemistry and fragment length PCR. Weekend work can occur. Successful candidates will be placed in the den Hoed research group (https://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 Biomedicine, (Molecular) Medicine, Molecular (Cell) Biology, Marine 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, organised, reliable team player that can also work independently. Prior knowledge and experience in zebrafish husbandry and micro-injections are a bonus.

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

Salary: Individual salary.

Starting date: 01-06-2021 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position of 12 months with the posibility of extension.

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 6 May 2021, UFV-PA 2021/1211.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.