Umeå universitet, 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.

Description

Postdoctoral position at UCMM - Umeå Centre for Molecular Medicin concerning:

Gene regulation in obesity related liver cancer (full-time employment for two years) in Andreas Hörnblad's research group. The focus of the research group is on gene regulation and the function of the noncoding genome in metabolic diseases and during embryonic development. We use genetic mouse models in combination with next generation sequencing techniques and high-throughput genome editing to study these questions.

 

Reprogramming of regulatory sequences or restructuring of the genome that involves relocation of enhancer sequences with regulatory potential has shown to play a key role in certain types of cancer. This could be due to e. g. enhancer hijacking, via activation of dormant regulatory sequences or by formation of new topological domains. Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer form in the world and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The most common form of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, is strongly associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. The disease aetiology of liver cancer is complicated and it is not clear how specific genes contribute to different forms of cancer — e.g. against the background of metabolic syndrome or obesity. In addition, little is known about how mutations in the non-coding regulatory genome contribute to the disease.

 

The group is based at the Umeå Center for Molecular Medicine at Umeå University campus. At the department, strong research is conducted in the fields of metabolism, imaging, neuroscience and cancer. The centre provides all necessary instrumentation and a number of different model organisms are represented. In the laboratory there is a strong background on the redundancy and modularity of regulatory elements (enhancers) as well as the study of metabolic diseases, developmental biology and mouse genetics. We are looking for a motivated post-doctor to study the role of the non-coding genome in the development of liver cancer in metabolic syndrome and obesity.

 

Duties

Experimental methodology includes various forms of  next generation sequencing (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq etc) to study genomic sequences and epigenetic markers (activity of enhancers, promoters, etc.) in tumors from mouse models, human patients as well as in human cell lines. The work also includes metabolic analyses in vivo, genetic engineering of mice and cell lines (CRISPR / Cas9), gene and protein expression analyses, advanced in vivo imaging and microscopy. The successful candidate must be able to independently plan experiments, develop methods and conduct data analysis as well as communicate results. Summarising results orally and in writing in English is a requirement, as well as documented good ability to collaborate within the group and with other research groups. The position is fully covered for 2 years but the candidate will also be encouraged to apply for her/his own grants. We are looking for a curious and driven researcher with independent and critical thinking, who will be given the opportunity to develop her/his scientific knowledge.

 

 The successful candidate will  be responsible for:

- Conduct research within the framework of the group's research program

- Establish methods

- Analyse and publish research results

- Project leading

- Actively participate in journal clubs, seminars, tutoring of students etc.

- Present data at national and international scientific meetings

 

Qualifications

A doctoral degree in the field of molecular medicine or related disciplines is required as well as a strong background in molecular biology or genomics. Experience with ChIP-, RNA- or ATAC-sequencing and/or CRISPR/Cas9 technology are desirable skills. Training in experimental animal science as well as documented experience in independently managing laboratory animals are desirable but not a requirement. Publications in the areas of metabolic syndrome, liver cancer or gene regulation is a merit. Basic knowledge in bioinformatics is an advantage and opportunities for further education will be given. As a post-doctor, the candidate must be able to conduct independent research work and be able to write scientific reports and publications. Knowledge of written and spoken English is a requirement.

Applicants may be contacted for an interview before the end of the application period, but decisions to proceed in the recruitment process will be taken only after the application period has expired.

For more information, contact andreas.hornblad@umu.se

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment By agreement
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-1739-18
Contact
  • Andreas Hörnblad, Assistant Professor, 090-786 9206
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 02.Nov.2018
Last application date 14.Dec.2018 11:59 PM CET

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