PhD position in Molecular Biology - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

We are looking for a PhD student in Medical Science with an orientation towards Molecular Biology and a special interest in mechanisms of epigenetic regulation by Polycomb group proteins. The position at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University is temporary for four years. The successful candidate will participate in activities provided by the the Department of Molecular Biology, Epigenetic Cooperation Norrland (EpiCoN) network and Integrated Science Lab (Icelab), thus providing interaction with researchers from different research fields and access to various scientific and technical expertise.

PhD project

An employed doctoral student must primarily devote his or her time to his or her own doctoral training. The PhD project work aims to answer the following questions: How Polycomb proteins are targeted to specific human genes and how epigenetic memory of Polycomb repression is maintained and transmitted when cells replicate and divide. As one pillar of the project, the doctoral student will use computer simulations to build a realistic model of histone H3 Lysine 27 methylation by Polycomb complexes. In the other branch of the project, she or he will use cultured human cells, transgenic approaches, genomic mapping techniques and bioinformatics to identify combinations of DNA elements that are necessary and sufficient to target Polycomb repression to human genes.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a University degree equivalent to a European University Master degree of at least 240 credits (ECTS) in Biological and Health Sciences at the time of the recruitment, or equivalent levels of education otherwise acquired in Sweden or abroad. Required is a minimum of 30 credits in the main field of chemistry, including at least 7.5 credits biochemistry; 45 credits in the major areas of biology or molecular biology with at least 7.5 credits in genetics and 22,5 credits in the fields of microbiology, physiology and cell-and molecular biology. Additionally, at least 45 credits from second cycle studies in cell- and molecular biology including an independent work of at least 15 credits is required.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should have basic knowledge of standard molecular cloning techniques and have documented programming skills in python, java script and R. Expertise with standard software to process and analyse next generation DNA and RNA sequencing data is also required. We expect the candidate to be familiar with principals of Monte-Carlo simulation and have up to date knowledge of current literature in the Polycomb field. You need to be fluent in spoken and written English, which will be evaluated by the postgraduate studies board of the department.

You should be highly motivated and able to work productively in a team as well as independently. Excellent communication skills for interacting effectively with senior colleagues and peers are required.

Basis of assessment

The evaluation is based primarily on:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to doctoral studies within the research area,
2. The ability to formulate and solve scientific questions.
3. Skills in written and oral communication in English.
4. Other experience relevant to doctoral studies, such as professional experience.

Good collaborative skills, drive and independent work ability are considered as merits.

A selection will be made among qualified applicants on the basis of their qualifications and their ability to benefit from studies at the doctoral level. After the selection of the suitable candidate, the process for the admission to doctoral studies will commence. An admission decision will not be taken by the faculty’s director of studies until an individual study plan has been approved by the departmental admission board.

About the employment

The position is intendent to result in a doctoral degree and is limited to four years full time. If part-time teaching (max. 20%) can be offered, the employment period can be extended.

Access immediately or as agreed.

Wage placement takes place according to the established salary ladder for doctoral student employment.

According to the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 12, Section 2), the decision on employment cannot be appealed.

How to apply

You apply through our recruitment system at the latest 8 October 2019. Your application must contain the following documents written in English (preferably) or Swedish:

• A CV with information on education, a list of previous and current employments, and a list of publications.
• Copies of relevant degrees.
• A cover letter describing research experience and interests, motivation for applying for the position.
• Contact details of two to three references.

For questions regarding the position contact Yuri Schwartz: yuri.schwartz@umu.se

More about us

The Schwartz lab is part of the Epigenetic Cooperation Norrland (EpiCoN) an interdisciplinary research network devoted to top quality research and novel applications in the field of epigenetics.

You can find more information about us at www.umu.se/en/department-of-molecular-biology/ or www.epicon.nu