Umeå University, Medicinska fakulteten

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

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The Faculty of Medicine, which consists of 13 departments, is responsible for biomedical research and courses in the field of nursing and health care and has an extensive research and graduate education in more than 80 subjects.

Postdoctoral position in stress-induced transcriptional regulation in plants

The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics invites applicants for a 2-year postdoctoral position. We are looking for strongly motivated postdoctoral researcher with PhD degree in plant molecular biology/ biochemistry. The research is part of a project in systems biology financed by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research with specific target to reveal how the transcriptional co-regulator Mediator function as a central regulatory hub, integrating different stress signals to control the changes in gene expression required for acclimation to stress in plants.

Project description
Mediator is an evolutionarily conserved multiprotein transcriptional coregulator complex, required for transcription of all RNA polymerase II-dependent genes in eukaryotes. This project aim is to define the role of Mediator as a regulatory hub essential for plant stress signaling and elucidate the specific function of the different Mediator modules and subunits. We will establish the different levels of regulation executed by the Mediator via direct interaction with transcription factors and cis-elements and/or through chromatin remodelling. We will also use multilayer network analysis to decode the input (stress signal) and output (physiological response) mechanisms controlled by Mediator, and identify novel genes involved in specific and overlapping genetic responses to different types of stress.

The position is a full-time employment over a period of 2 years, starting in September 2018 or according to agreement. Last day to apply is 2018-05-10.

Competence requirements
To qualify for the position, you should have a PhD degree in biochemistry, molecular biology or another relevant area. Documented previous experience from working with: (i) molecular biology/biochemistry in plants, (ii) plant tissue culture and development of transgenic plants, (iii) experience of working with abiotic stresses in plants, (iv) microscopy and cellular localization, (v) RNA sequencing and (vi) bioinformatics is required. Experience with PCR, RT-qPCR, HPLC, LCMS, cloning, construction of binary vectors, identification of candidate genes using a bioinformatics approach is highly desirable. 

Emphasis will also be placed on personal qualities such as collaboration and communication skills and analytical capacity. We are looking for a highly motivated and responsible candidate who is passionate for developing as an individual scientist as well as a research team member. It is important that you have a good sense of initiative, and an ability to work independently. Very good communication skills in written and spoken English are required. 

The application
The application should include:

  1. A cover letter summarizing your qualifications, your scientific interests, and your motives for applying (max 2 pages),
  2. A curriculum vitae (CV) with a publication list,
  3. Copies of relevant degree certificates,
  4. Names and contact information of three references.

The application in word or pdf-format is to be submitted in our e-recruitment system and must be received 10/5 2018 at the latest.

Information
For further information please contact Professor Stefan Björklund, phone +46-(0)70-216 28 90, stefan.bjorklund@umu.se

 

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-730-18
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 19.Apr.2018
Last application date 10.May.2018 11:59 PM CEST

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