Umeå University, 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 12 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
The doctoral studies will be carried out at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics and supported by the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine-Infection Biology.

Mobile Genetic Elements (MGEs) are intrinsically related to pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance and one of the main factors in bacterial evolution. Thus, understanding how MGEs express their genes and replicate their DNA is critical for our success combating bacterial infections. We study three important MGE in Staphylococcus aureus: i) Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome (SCC elements), responsible for Methicillin Resistance S. aureus or MRSA; ii) staphylococcal bacteriophages and iii) Staphylococcus aureus Pathogenicity Islands (SaPIs), both phages and SaPIs have fundamental roles in bacterial plasticity and pathogenesis.

We offer a PhD position to study gene expression and DNA replication of staphylococcal MGEs using a multidisciplinary approach: in vivo experiments using genetics and molecular biology approaches, complemented with biochemistry and structural biology, such as electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) and X-ray crystallography.

The research will take place in an international and well-funded (Wallenberg Foundation) research group. The Umeå Core Facility Electron Microscopy is well equipped with a Titan Krios TEM, Falcon 3 detector, Volta phase plate, autoloader, etc. The X-Ray Crystallography Platform is also well equipped with in-house X-Ray source, mosquito robot, etc. Synchrotron's access is secured.

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. You should have a master’s degree in microbiology, biochemistry, or related discipline. We are seeking applicants with experience in expression and purification of recombinant proteins. Applicants with background in X-ray crystallography or cryoEM are encouraged to apply. We expect passionate and self-motivated candidates to be able to work independently and as part of a team. Good oral and written communication skills in English are required.

Interested candidates should apply through the Umeå University system Varbi, reference number AN 2.2.1-975-20. Attach i) a cover letter (1 page), ii) CV (3 pages max), iii) a complete publication list, iv) the contact information of 3 references and v) copies of the latest degree certificate(s).

Applications will be accepted until September 15th, 2020.

For further information please contact Ignacio (ignacio.mir-sanchis@umu.se) or visit the lab page www.imsresearchlab.com.

We welcome your application!

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment Upon agreement
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100 procent
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-975-20
Contact
  • Ignacio Mir-Sanchis, +46-76-6974363
  • Andrei Chabes, +46-73-6205446
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 24.Jun.2020
Last application date 15.Sep.2020 11:59 PM CEST

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