Postdoctoral fellow position in Stem cell modeling of neurological disease
Uppsala University, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology
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 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of around SEK 7 billion.
The Department of immunology, genetics and pathology at Uppsala University has a broad research profile with several strong research groups focused on Genomics, Cancer and Molecular Diagnostics. Research is presently conducted in the following areas: Medical and Clinical Genetics, Immunology, Pathology, Tumor Biology and Vascular Biology. Parts of the organization are also integrated with the departments for Clinical Genetics, Immunology and Pathology-Cytology at Akademiska sjukhuset, Uppsala. The department provides a well-developed infrastructure for advanced molecular sciences, including access to front-line technology as well as core facilities for cell analyses, DNA sequencing and genotyping. The Department has a yearly turnover of around 255 million SEK with a staff of around 340 people, 90 of these that are PhD-students. The department is partially integrated with the SciLifeLab. (http://www.igp.uu.se)
SciLifeLab (www.scilifelab.se) is a Swedish national center for molecular biosciences with focus on health and environmental research. The center combines frontline technical expertise with advanced knowledge of translational medicine and molecular bioscience. SciLifeLab is hosted by four Swedish universities (Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University and Uppsala University) and collaborates with several other universities. SciLifeLab invites applications for Postdoc positions in the groups of our SciLifeLab Faculty.
Niklas Dahl’s research group (http://www.igp.uu.se/research/genetics_genomics/niklas_dahl/?languageId=1) is focused on functional genomics including the identification of mechanisms and pathophysiology associated with genetic disorders. Over the last decade the research group has identified a number of novel genes/gene variants and mechanisms associated with disease. A limiting factor in the studies of central nervous system (CNS) disorders has been models that recapitulate the human brain. To this end we have established induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. We have reprogrammed somatic cells from patients with various genetic disorders of the CNS. The iPSCs are differentiated into mature neuronal cells using well defined protocols. The goal is to identify novel disease mechanisms at the cellular and molecular levels that may serve as candidate targets for intervention. Analysis is performed on bulk cell- populations as well as on single cells using e.g. immunostainings, electrophysiology, transcriptome-, proteome- and metabolome-profiling. Models are validated using CRISPR/Cas9 modifications of iPSC. In combination, the techniques are expected to reveal novel cell populations and biomarkers associated with CNS disorders as a first step towards drug development.
Duties: Monitor iPSC cultures and characterise these using imaging, immunohistochemistry, functional parameters, transcriptome- and metabolome profiling. Develop protocols/methods to differentiate iPSC into defined neuronal lineages and organoids. Handle molecular cloning, DNA sequence analysis, CRISPR/Cas9 editing and selection of edited iPSC clones. The tasks include planning and implementation of subprojects, compilation and analysis of data, as well as the writing of manuscripts for publication. The work includes contributions in the writing of applications and assistance in supervision of PhD students and students.
Requirements: PhD in the fields of cell- or molecular biology, biomedicine, medicine 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. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc. Documented experience in eukaryotic cell tissue culture, molecular cloning, gene expression and protein analysis and statistical analysis. Good interpersonal and communication skills is required as well as demonstrated experience in compiling and publishing scientific papers in related fields.
Additional qualifications: Appropriate background is a Ph.D. degree with a biological or medical focus. Proven experience of cell culture systems and associated functional, molecular and bioinformatic analyses. Particular emphasis will be placed on academic skills, good collaboration skills and ability to work independently. Experience in analysis of RNA- and DNA sequence data is desired. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.
The application must include a personal letter including a brief description of your research interests and motivation for the application, CV, copies of diplomas and certificates, up to 10 publications, and a list of two reference persons and/or reference letters.
Salary: Individual salary.
Starting date: 01-11-2021 or as otherwise agreed.
Type of employment: Temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement.
Scope of employment: 100 %
For further information about the position please contact:
Niklas Dahl, niklas.dahl@igp.uu.se, 018-471 4859, 018-611 2799
Please submit your application by 8 October 2021, UFV-PA 2021/3200.