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

The Department of Integrative Medical Biology is looking for a Senior Research Assistant for employment from May 1st until December 31st, 2018, in our Laboratory for Experimental Ophthalmology and Musculoskeletal Research.

 Description of the position

The position involves work on range of biochemical and cell/molecular biology techniques for different research projects within the two research teams of the laboratory (see Qualifications for more information on the methodological competence needed).

We are looking for an enterprising researcher on postdoctoral level, with great bench-experience from experimental biomedical research, and with an interest to perform studies on the pathophysiology of different conditions affecting epithelium and connective tissues. The role of the research assistant in the project would be to independently plan, design and perform experiments, develop methods and perform analysis, as well as tutor/help junior members/students of the team. The work will be mainly performed in cell culture model systems, with methods for analysis of cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis, DNA-/RNA-extraction and qPCR, as well as FACSs. Our latest line of research involves studies on the role of cell senescence on scar formation, and we are therefore looking for a person with experience of work on cell senescence.

Our research team focuses on mechanistic aspects of wound healing in epithelium and connective tissue, and of collagen scar formation, more particularly the role of the collagen producing cells. We aim at unravelling intra- and intercellular signalling pathways that may be targets for future drugs interfering with wound healing and scar forming processes, particularly in the cornea. The role of the collagen producing cells in wound healing is evaluated in vitro, in a three-dimensional cell culture model, as well as in vivo in an animal model.

The research is performed in collaboration with clinical researchers at the Dept of Clinical Science, Ophthalmology, at the University Hospital of Umeå, as well as with researchers at the Shandong Eye Institute, Quingdao, China, and the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

Qualifications:

To be eligible for the position, the applicant should:

• have a PhD in a relevant subject area
• have experience from postdoctoral research work
• have ample experience from work on cell cultures
• have ample experience in methods of cell senescence
• be able to independently perform the following methods:
  -qPCR
  -FACs
  -Western blot
  -Fluorescencemikroskopi
  -Cell viability and apoptosis assays
    
• have experience from animal studies
• have experience of siRNA transfection

We are looking for a talented and motivated candidate with a record of productive research, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

It is presupposed that the candidate masters scientific English and have good general communication skills in English (written and verbal). The candidate’s collaborative skills and suitability for the project are especially considered in the assessment of the candidate's qualifications.

Application for the position should include:

1. A short cover letter (not more than 1 page) to include a brief summary of your research experience and interests, and a short statement telling why you are suitable for this position.

2. Curriculum Vitae including: copies of appropriate certificates, list of scientific publications, list of technical expertise (be sure to comment all the methods listed above that are prerequisites for the position), education, and names and contact information of at least two reference persons.

The position is for the period May 1st, 2018, to December 31st, 2018.