PhD student in chemistry with focus on oncometabolomics - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Chemistry at Umeå University is looking for a PhD student within the field of metabolomics, to study the impact of the metabolome on the development of malignant brain tumors (glioma). Application is open until 29 March 2019.

Project description
Our research group offers broad transnational collaborations and a creative environment. Within the collaboration, a large clinical material originating from glioma cases and controls has been collected with corresponding clinical and genetic data. We are now looking for an excellent candidate that will work with metabolomics to investigate blood metabolite signatures in relation to glioma development. The project will involve development and application of different types of mass spectrometry methods for quantification and identification of metabolites in human samples. In terms of chemical analysis the candidate will primarily work with GC-TOFMS (discovery) and GC-QqQMS (validation) as well as related data processing software’s. Part of the work will also include optimization of extraction and analysis methods. Furthermore, validation of earlier findings by means of targeted analyses will be carried out. The project also includes the possibility to couple obtained findings to phenotypic information and other -omics based data using chemometrics based bioinformatics or machine learning. In addition, questionnaire data is also available for linkage to possible external risk factors. The successful candidate will take part in the whole process from sample preparation via chemical and data analysis to evaluation and publication. The degree of feasibility is considered to be high.

Qualifications
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in chemistry, the applicant is required to have completed first-cycle courses of at least 90 ECTS credits within the field of chemistry or another subject considered to be directly relevant to the specialization in question. Of those 90 ECTS credits, at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level within the specialization or an equivalent subject.

Good knowledge of the English language, both written and spoken, is a requirement. Knowledge and practical experience of mass spectrometry based analysis methods are required for qualification.

Terms for the employment
The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in the described research project but also to take relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students.

Application
The application should contain the following:

• A cover letter summarizing your qualifications, including a motivation to why you are applying for the position.
• CV
• Certified copies of degree diplomas or equivalent, including documentation of finalized academic courses, obtained grades and other relevant certificates.
• A list of two reference persons, including contact details.

Applications should be submitted via the University e-recruitment system (see link below). We look very much forward to receiving your application no later than 29 March 2019.

Additional information
For further information, contact project leader, Benny Björkblom PhD. 786 62 30, benny.bjorkblom@umu.se, Professor in Oncology, Beatrice Melin MD, PhD. 786 61 42, beatrice.melin@umu.se or Professor in Bioinformatics, Henrik Antti PhD. 786 53 59, henrik.antti@umu.se.

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees, of which approximately 50 doctoral students, and a strong and expanding research. The Department has three major research areas: Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry, and Technical Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical Biological Center. Information about the postgraduate education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website: Information about the postgraduate education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website: www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-science-and-technology/education/doctoral-studies/chemistry/. For more information about working at Umeå University: www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/.

We look forward to receiving your application!