PhD student position in Medical Science with an orientation towards Cell Biology

Department of Integrative Medical Biology

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 of the PhD-project:

The project involves work with culture of human stem cells (iPSCs) and the differentiation of these to neurons and other brain cell types to study disease processes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The goal of the project is to understand how the unfolding and aggregation of the SOD1 protein leads to motor neuron cytotoxicity in ALS by studying in vitro models and using biochemical methods and also live cell imaging of axonal transport. A strong background in cell biology and cell-based assays is essential for the project; also experience working with DNA cloning, recombinant proteins, protein biochemistry and protein aggregation.

Qualifications:

Applicants must 1) hold a University degree of at least 240 ECTS or equivalent or 2) have 120 Swedish (old) credits (Swe. poäng; corresponding to 180 ECTS credits) of higher education studies in the same fields or equivalent taken before July 1, 2007.

Other merits:

In addition, the applicant should, through university studies or other equivalent education, have gained basic theoretical knowledge in biomedicine and have good experience of laboratory work and method development. Applicants with practical experience of research with human stem cells/iPSCs, in vitro differentiation and culture, or neuronal cells, or work with neuronal cell lines will be prioritized. Experience of protein biochemistry and analysis of proteins using e.g. ELISA, western blotting and immunohistochemistry and other biochemical methods of analysis are also considered strengths. Experience in fluorescence microscopy is also considered as strength. The applicant must be able to work both independently and as part of a team, and high focus will be given to the candidate’s potential to work with others and also their ability to write scientific text.

Specific admission requirements:

In order to be admitted to postgraduate studies, it is required that the
applicant has:

Necessary knowledge from university higher education or corresponding education and/or special professional experience that is assessed in relation to the research area.

Necessary English language skills, both in writing and in speaking. Evaluation of these skills is made by having the intended PhD student present his/her research plan in English for the Department’s designated postgraduate education group.

Further information: Senior Lecturer Jonathan Gilthorpe, jonathan.gilthorpe@umu.se

Start date: 2020-04-01, or upon agreement.

Other information:

https://www.umu.se/en/research/doctoral-studies/

The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (chapt. 12, 2 §) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed.