Postdoc in microbial microfluidics and cell-sorting
Uppsala University, Department of Organismal Biology
Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.
The Department of Organismal Biology teaches and explores the evolution, development and function on the organismal level. For more information see www.iob.uu.se.
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.
We are now looking for a postdoc in microbial microfluidics and cell sorting. The position is shared between the research groups of Dr. Fabien Burki (https://www.burki-lab.net/) and Dr. Lars Behrendt (www.behrendtlab.com).
Project description
The biodiversity of microbes is known to be extraordinarily high but most species remain uncultivated and we therefore know very little about their evolution and functioning in ecosystems. In this 2-year funded post-doc project, we will develop a microfluidic-assisted cell-sorting method that aims to isolate specific microbial cells from a mixed population in order to retrieve their genome in a targeted fashion.
Duties
Establish and maintain algal cultures to run experiments. Develop PCR assays to target specific cells via, e.g., TaqMan probes. Use this PCR assay in microdroplets, produced via microfluidic devices, and sort target droplets via fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Perform all controls necessary to verify the proper functioning of the targeted assay. Prepare cell materials for high-throughput sequencing and analyse the resulting data. Regularly present data to both hosting labs and disseminate results in leading peer-reviewed publications and one conference. The training of junior group members (i.e. master and PhD students) might also be required as well as minor contributions to teaching.
Requirements
PhD in Biology or equivalent. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with the desire to establish a cutting-edge method. The successful candidate will have a strong scientific record and be highly motivated. In addition, we require strong planning and organizational skills, problem solving abilities and the ability to manage stress. We strive to create a friendly atmosphere among team-members and other employees in the work place, so a collegiate capacity to work as part of a team is necessary.
For this position, a proven experience in a minimum of two skills from the following list is required to apply: (i) microbial eukaryote cell cultures, (ii) microfluidics, (iii) microscopy (light and electron), (iv) cell sorting using FACS, (v) development of target specific TaqMan assays. Experience should be demonstrated, ideally, by scientific publications or equivalent evidence.
Additional qualifications
A keen interest in microbial eukaryote diversity is a desirable and so is proficiency in a scripting language (e.g. Python). Proficiency in English, both oral and in writing is required.
About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 24 months according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed (no later than 2023-01-01). Placement: Uppsala
For further information about the position, please contact: Lars Behrendt, lars.behrendt@ebc.uu.se, 018-471 2591 eller Fabien Burki, fabien.burki@ebc.uu.se, 018-471 2779
Please submit your application by 7th November 2022, UFV-PA 2022/3565
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