Postdoctoral position: Dissecting the cellular landscape of equine asthma using single cell genomics
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 Medical Sciences is a large clinical institution with more than 250 employees and over 300 additional coworkers connected via the Uppsala University Hospital. The Department of Medical Sciences has a broad research profile with strong research groups in a number of different areas. The research carried out at the department is performed in close connection with the clinical activities at the Uppsala University Hospital, which includes both basic studies on the causes of a variety of illnesses and the development and evaluation of improved diagnostics and new treatment methods. More information about the Department of Medical Sciences can be found at www.medsci.uu.se.
We seek a postdoctoral scientist to work with a research project at the SNP&SEQ Technology Platform (www.sequencing.se), which is located the Uppsala University Biomedical Center (BMC) and is part of the Genomics Platform at Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), www.scilifelab.com. The SNP&SEQ unit is comprised of a multi-disciplinary group of researchers, technicians, bioinformaticians, and developers that offer cutting-edge next generation sequencing (NGS) and SNP-genotyping services to researchers all over Sweden. The postdoctoral scientist will join the Research & Development team, where the focus is on developing, evaluating, and implementing new -omics technologies and approaches in various research projects.
Project description: Did you know that airway disease is one of the most common health issues in horses? Are you interested in working in a research project with the aim to increase knowledge regarding the factors behind equine asthma? Do you want to be part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers in genomics, clinical veterinary medicine, molecular medicine and immunology? Do you want to work with cutting edge techniques in single-cell genomics? We are recruiting a postdoctoral scientist to work in the FORMAS funded project: Dissecting the cellular landscape in equine asthma using single cell genomics. In this study we are using various single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) techniques to study immune cells in bronchoalvelolar lavage samples and endobronchial biopsies sampled from horses diagnosed with equine asthma. The project is conducted in close collaboration with researchers at the Swedish Agricultural University and the Genomics Platform at SciLifeLab.
Description of work: The successful candidate is expected to independently plan and run the project (with support from the project team). The work responsibilities include:
- Plan and coordinate sampling together with clinical collaborators.
- Perform wet-lab experiments and prepare scRNA-Seq libraries.
- Test and implement novel approaches for single-cell genomics and other assays of relevance for the project.
- Analyze data, either independently or in collaboration with bioinformaticians in the group.
- Write scientific publications and present results and data at national and international meetings, conferences and seminars.
The work carried out in this postdoctoral position can be tailored depending on the successful candidate’s background and skills. The work may include assisting veterinarians during sampling of horses or advanced data analysis and bioinformatics, depending on the interests of the candidate. The successful candidate is also expected to inform various stakeholders in the Swedish horse sector about the project in popular science presentations.
Qualifications: PhD in molecular biology, immunology, molecular medicine, genetics, biotechnology, veterinary medicine, bioinformatics or other related area. The PhD degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the application deadline. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc. Documented experience in NGS library preparation and data analysis. Documented experience in RNA-sequencing. Documented experience in cell handling.
Other desired merits: Experience in one or several of the following areas is considered a merit:
- Single cell RNA-sequencing
- Asthma or inflammation/allergy research
- Programming in R or Python
Major emphasis will be placed on personal characteristics, such as a positive attitude and good interpersonal skills.
Position: Temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement.
Scope of employment: 100%.
Starting date: As soon as possible or according to agreement.
Last application date: 2021-04-15