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 molecular parasitology. The position at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University is temporary for four years to start immediately or as agreed.

The successful candidate will participate in activities provided by the Department of Molecular Biology, the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR) and the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, 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 education.

The PhD project aims to define and evaluate methodology to facilitate the analysis of Plasmodium berghei genes essential for growth in its host.

The malaria parasite causes disease by invading and replicating within red blood cells. In our lab we develop and apply high throughput genetic screening tools to study malaria parasite gene function. Using a method we call barcode sequencing we have previously mapped out which of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei genes that are essential for the parasite to grow in the blood stream of infected mice.  However, the molecular function of most of these are unknown and many lack any functional domains to guide studies. Understanding their function at scale will require development of new genetic tools and innovative functional assays.

This project aims to explore and define the efficacy and limitations of a number of conditional gene knock-down methodologies in order to identify a method suitable to scaling up for genome-wide functional assays using barcode sequencing assays.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a University degree equivalent to a European University Master degree or completed course requirements of at least 240 credit points, of which at least 60 credit points should be at second-cycle level. 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.

You need to be fluent in spoken and written English, which will be evaluated by the postgraduate studies board of the department.

Qualifications

Documented experience in CRISPR/Cas9 vector design and construction, standard molecular cloning methods, flow cytometry (FACS), microscopy and/or previous work with malaria parasites are considered strong merits.

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. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Basis of assessment

The evaluation of the ability and potential to perform well 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 positive 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 01 02 2021 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 16 november 2020. Your application must contain the following documents written in English 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 Ellen Bushell (ellen.bushell@umu.se).

More about us

The Bushell lab is based at the Molecular Biology department of Umeå University and is part of the EMBL Nordic partnership’s Swedish node, Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), and the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR).

UCMR is an interdisciplinary research centre devoted to top quality research and novel applications in the field of infection and microbiology.

You can find more information about us at www.mims.umu.se/, www.ucmr.umu.se and www.umu.se/en/department-of-molecular-biology/.