Senior research engineer - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Chemistry is seeking a senior research engineer for a project on chemo-optogenetics. The employment is full-time and limited to 2 years. Starting date is August 1st 2018 or by agreement. Last day to apply is March 19th, 2018.

Project description
Genetic perturbations by gain or loss of gene function through overexpression, knock-out or knock-down approaches is powerful for biological studies. However, traditional genetic approaches are chronic (hours to days). Consequently, the phenotype may not be detected due to adaptation and the dynamics of phenotypic change cannot be followed. Chemical genetic approaches using small molecules are acute, reversible, conditional and tunable and have been very useful to dissect the complexity of biological regulatory networks. However, many of these compounds have additional off-target effects that may confound elucidation of biological systems in certain contexts. Canonical optogenetic systems using photoreceptors suffer from limitations in tunability, dynamic range and maneuverability. Our laboratory has developed a set of chemical and photochemically induced dimerization (CID and pCID) system to spatiotemporally control cellular signaling and intracellular cargo transport. We will further develop novel chemo-optogenetic systems that enables the activity to be controlled by light with high spatial and temporal precision in live cells and organisms.

Working tasks You will work on (but not limited to);

• design and conduct experiments in organic synthesis and cell imaging;
• process and analyze results and data;
• communicate results with the supervisor and other group members;
• develop new technique for chemical protein labeling in cells and elaborate biological application;
• supervise students;
• write research papers.

Competence requirements
You have a doctoral degree in synthetic chemistry or chemical biology or equivalent and more than 3 years of research experience at postdoctoral level in organic synthesis. You are expected to design and execute projects independently but also in close collaboration with other members of the team, independence and good ability to collaborate is therefore a requirement. Good command of written and spoken English is also a requirement. A strong publication record in organic synthesis is a strong merit.

How to apply
You submit your application via our e-recruitment system. Log on and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. Your complete application should include:

• cover letter including qualifications and motivation for applying (max 2 pages),
• CV including list of publications,
• copies of degree certificates including doctoral degree,
• names and contact details of at least two reference persons.

Last day to apply is March 19th, 2018.

The employment is full-time and limited to 2 years (730 days). Starting date is August 1st 2018.

For further information you are welcome to contact Professor Yaowen Wu, yaowen.wu@umu.se.

About us
The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees out of which 40 are doctoral students, and a strong and expanding research. Three major research areas, Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry and Technical Chemistry collect the department's research and education in chemistry. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical-Biological Centre. For more information see www.chemistry.umu.se/eng