Postdoctoral position in Induced pluripotent stem cell disease modeling
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 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.
The Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology at Uppsala University 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 biology, 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 at the Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology. The department has a yearly turnover of around SEK 500 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. Feel free to read more about the department’s activities here: 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.
Niklas Dahl’s research group (http://www.igp.uu.se/research/genetics_genomics/niklas_dahl)
The group 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, the group has established induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. We have reprogrammed somatic cells from patients with various genetic disorders of the CNS. The goals are to identify novel disease mechanisms at the cellular and molecular levels as well as to develop a 3D model for CNS (i.e. organoids). Analysis is performed on entire cell-populations as well as on single cells using e.g. functional assays, immunostainings, transcriptome- and methylome-profiling. Models are validated using CRISPR/Cas9 modifications of iPSC. The projects aim to reveal novel mechanisms and biomarkers associated with CNS disorders for improved diagnostics as a step towards drug development.
Duties
Molecular cloning, DNA sequence analysis, CRISPR/Cas9 editing and selection of edited iPSC clones. Monitor iPSC cultures and differentiate iPSC into neuronal subtypes in 2D and 3D (i.e. organoids). Characterize neural cell models (e.g. by transcriptome profiling). The tasks include planning and implementation of subprojects, compilation and analysis of data, writing of manuscripts for publication, contributions in writing applications and assistance in supervision of PhD and master students.
Requirements
PhD in the field of cell- or molecular biology, biomedicine, neurobiology or similar. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.
Documented experience in molecular cloning, gene expression and protein analysis as well as molecular 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 biomedical sciences. Proven experience in molecular biology/cloning, functional, statistical and bioinformatic analyses. Experiences from cell culture systems transcriptome-, proteome- and DNA sequence data are meritorious. Particular emphasis will be placed on academic skills, good collaboration skills, personal suitability and ability to work independently.
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.
About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. (with possibility of 1 year extension). Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed.
Placement: Uppsala
For further information about the position, please contact: Niklas Dahl, niklas.dahl@igp.uu.se, 018-471 4859, 018-611 2
Please submit your application by 15 August 2022, UFV-PA 2022/2169.