Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

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.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace

Umeå University offers exciting research opportunities in an excellent environment. The Department of Chemistry has around 200 employees. The Department is located within the cross-disciplinary Chemical Biological Centre (video) (https://www.umu.se/en/chemical-biological-centre/) at Umeå University and provides excellent facilities and state-of-art equipment and platforms in a creative, inspiring, international and highly interactive environment. Facilities include Protein Expertise Platform, X-ray, Proteomics, NMR (850-400 MHz), Cryo-EM and Biochemical Imaging Centre (confocal, FLIM, spinning disk, TIRF, STORM).

The recent breakthrough research from Umeå University include deciphering the molecular mechanisms of the bacterial CRISPR-Cas9 system and repurposing it into a tool for genome editing, a method developed at Umeå university that was awarded Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020.

Project description and working tasks
Genetic perturbations by gain or loss of gene function through overexpression, knock-out or knock-down approaches is powerful for biological studies. However, traditional genetic approaches are chronic (hours to days). Consequently, the phenotype may not be detected due to adaptation and the dynamics of phenotypic change cannot be followed.

Chemical/light-inducible approaches provide means to control biological systems with spatial and temporal resolution that is unmatched by traditional genetic perturbations. However, canonical optogenetic systems using photoreceptors suffer from inherent limitations in basal activity in the dark, dynamic range and maneuverability.

Our laboratory has pioneered in the development of chemo-optogenetic systems (Chem 2019 review). We have developed the first bioorthogonal and reversible chemically induced dimerization (CID) system (SLF'-TMP system) for controlling protein function by small molecules in live cells (Angew Chem 2014). A photoactivatable CID (pCID) using photo-caged dimerizer (NovcTMP-Cl) (Angew Chem 2017) and photo-switchable CID system (psCID) using photo-switchable dimerizer (CONC) allow superior spatiotemporal control of protein function in live cells (Angew Chem 2018). We have developed novel "Molecular Activity Painting (MAP)" strategy by combining pCID with immobilized artificial receptors to enable "painting" of signaling molecules and their activity at micrometer-scale at the plasma membrane. Using photoactivatable dual-chemically induced dimerization (pdCID) system, we developed a Multi-directional Activity Control (MAC) approach to spatiotemporally control cellular signaling and intracellular cargo transport (Angew Chem 2018). This project will focus on development of chemo-optogenetic systems, which enable the activity to be controlled by light with high spatial and temporal resolution in live cells and organisms. The techniques used in the project include protein/peptide synthesis, organic synthesis and cell imaging.

The project is funded by European Research Council (ERC) and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW). The project is interdisciplinary with strong collaborations across scientific disciplines. The position is full-time in two years with starting date as soon as possible, or as agreed.

Qualifications
The required qualification is a doctoral degree or a foreign degree that is deemed equivalent, in synthetic chemistry, chemical biology, or in another field relevant to the project. Priority should be given to candidates who have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the closing date of the application, unless special circumstances exist. Special circumstances include absence due to illness, parental leave or clinical practice, appointments of trust in trade unions or similar circumstances.

The successful candidate is expected to design and execute projects independently but also in close collaboration with other members of the team, independence and good ability to collaborate are therefore requirements. Good command of written and spoken English is also a requirement.

Experiences in protein/peptide chemistry, organic synthesis, and/or cell imaging are strong merits, as is a good record of research publication within these areas.

Application
The application should include:

  1. Cover letter including research interests, qualifications and motivation for applying (max 2 pages),
  2. CV including list of publications,
  3. Certified copies of doctoral degree certificate and other relevant degree certificates,
  4. Copies of own publications that you wish to submit (maximum 3 publications),
  5. Names and contact details of at least two reference persons,
  6. Other relevant documents.

The application should be written in English or Swedish and submitted via our e-recruitment system. Last day to apply is February 16, 2021.

For further information, please contact Professor Yaowen Wu, e-mail: yaowen.wu@umu.se. Website: https://www.umu.se/en/staff/yaowen-wu/

We look forward to receiving your application.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment As soon as possible or by agreement
Salary Monthly
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-101-21
Contact
  • Yaowen Wu, 090-7865000
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 25.Jan.2021
Last application date 16.Feb.2021 11:59 PM CET

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