Position as research assistant with focus on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - ,

Position as research assistant with focus on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

A position as research assistant at the Department Medical Biosciences is available for the study of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Since 1993 internationally competitive interdisciplinary research with primary focus on the role of superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) in the pathogenesis of ALS has been conducted at Umeå University.

Description of the project
Earlier results from the group has identified neurotoxic effects of SOD1 as a central component of various types of ALS. Recently, we found that aggregates of SOD1, which arise in the CNS, can propagate further templated SOD1 aggregation in a prion-like manner and thereby cause ALS. The core of this project is to produce SOD1 aggregates/prions in vitro using CNS-derived aggregates as seeds. The pure in vivo-relevant SOD1 aggregates/prions are planned to be used for determination of molecular structures, for in vivo inoculation studies, and for production of prion-specific antibodies to be utilized for development of diagnostics and set the foundation for therapeutic development.

Project assignments
We are looking for a candidate that together with a supervisor and other coworkers in the group (PhD students, post docs, biomedical analysts, and senior scientists) has an interest to conduct science about ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. Tasks mainly include participation in research projects with laboratory work (main focus on biochemical, molecular biology, and morphological techniques).

Competence requirements
Applicants must hold a Master of Science degree that covers biochemistry and immunology. Experience with HTS (High throughput screening) of drug candidates in a model system is required.

Very good knowledge in English, both written and spoken, is required. Also, very good knowledge in German, both written and spoken, is required to be part of collaboration with German research groups.

Other merits
The main focus of the laboratory work is based on protein biochemistry. Basic theoretical knowledge in biomedicine and protein biochemistry, gained through university studies or other equivalent education, as well as thorough experience in laboratory work (e.g. western blot, ELISA and other antibody based methods) is of high merit value. Work with animals and autopsy materials is planned. Practical experience of work with mice is of merit value. Documented experience with cell culture work is of merit value. Skills in bioinformatics is of merit value. Good knowledge about Excel and Adobe Creative Suite is of merit value. The applicant must be able to work both independently and as part of a team, with very high accuracy, and high focus will be given to the candidate’s potential collaborative skills.

Employment period
The position is full-time and is limited to six (6) months. The start date is as soon as possible or upon agreement.

Application procedure
The application must include the following documents:

• A personal letter describing your qualifications, research interests, and why you are interested in the position.
• A curriculum vita (CV), including date for doctoral degree, title of your thesis and an updated list of publications.
• A copy of your postdoctoral degree and other relevant certificates.
  Name and contact details for at least two reference persons.
• For further information about the position contact Per Zetterström, tel: +46 90 785 44 07, e-post: per.zetterstrom@umu.se.

Application, written in Swedish or English must be submitted via our e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 29 June 2020.

We look forward to receiving your application!