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 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.

PhD-position in Medical Science with orientation towards clinical chemistry and with focus on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

A position as PhD student at the Department Medical Bioscience 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 PhD-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 structures, for in vivo inoculation studies, and for production of prion-specific antibodies to be utilized for development of diagnostics and therapeutics.

Project assignments
We are looking for a PhD candidate that together with other coworkers in the group (fellow PhD students, post docs, biomedical analysts, and senior scientists) has an interest to conduct science about ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. The employment aims at a PhD degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies. This includes participation in research projects with laboratory work (main focus on biochemical, molecular biology, and morphological techniques), take part in postgraduate courses organized by the Faculty of Medicine and other relevant courses, and learn how to write scientific papers. Teaching and other work at the department may occur (maximum 10%).

Competence requirements
Applicants must have been awarded a university degree at advanced (equivalent to second-cycle in Sweden) level, completed courses comprising of at least 240 credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 credits (ECTS) were awarded at advanced level, or has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Education in Biochemistry or equivalent is required as well as very good knowledge in English, both written and spoken.

Other desirable qualifications
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. There are work with animals and autopsy material. Practical experience of work with mice is of merit value as well as documented experience with cell culture work and screening of drug candidates. 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.

Application procedure
A complete application, written in Swedish or English, must contain the following documents:

  • A cover letter including a description of your research interests and motivation for applying (maximum 2 pages).
  • Curriculum Vitae.
  • Certified copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses, obtained grades and other relevant certificates.
  • Name and contact information of at least two reference persons.

Additional information about the position
For additional information about the position, please contact Per Zetterström, e-mail address: per.zetterstrom@umu.se.

The application must be completed using the Umeå University on-line recruitment system Varbi. The application deadline is 8 February, 2021.

Start date
As soon as possible or upon agreement.

Salary
PhD student local salary agreement.

Other information
http://www.medfak.umu.se/utbildning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/doktorandhandboken.

We look forward to receiving your application!

 

 

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100 %
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-64-21
Contact
  • Per Zetterström, 090 - 785 44 89
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 21.Jan.2021
Last application date 08.Feb.2021 11:59 PM CET

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