First Research Engineer in virology, 24 months - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are looking for a first research engineer to the Department of clinical microbiology. You  will be working in the group of Marta Bally, on a project aiming at investigating the connection between alzheimer’s disease and viral infections in the brain. You will be a part of an internationally leading research group that uses state-of-the-art tools and collaborates with other leading researchers in Sweden and abroad.

We offer an international, stimulating collaboration-oriented research environment, where your scientific development is promoted. The position starts as agreed between the parties.

The project

APOE genotype has been proposed as a key risk factor in both Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Herpes simplex virus type 1 infection in the brain. Therefore, understanding the interplay between APOE genotype and HSV-1 infection is likely to provide new insights into the role of HSV-1 in AD progress and to contribute to the development of intervention strategies to decrease the risk of AD development. In this project, we focus on investigating how the presence of APOE affects HSV-1 infection and whether such an effect is APOE isoform dependent. To do so, we will take a distinct approach combining classical virology experiments with advanced biophysical assays relying on fluorescence microscopy and single particle tracking to study virus attachment to the host cell and virus uptake. In addition to this, in vitro models of the cell surface will be used to study virus-membrane interactions using surface-based sensing instruments (e.g., TIRF, SPR) to complement the live cell microscopy experiments.

With this position, you will lead and develop the project

• You will plan and perform experiments, interpret results, and put these in a scientific context.
• You will present and discuss your research with other researchers within and outside the group, on national and international meetings.
• You are engaged in drafting and submission of manuscripts.
• You will participate actively in seminars and journal clubs and take courses to develop • your knowledge and career.
• You will also supervise students on master level and participate in teaching on other levels.
• You will act in agreement with the university’s policy for equal opportunities and data protection.
  
  

Qualifications.

• PhD in Virology.
• Postdoc experience working at the interface between virology and biophysics.
  
  

You should have documented experience with:

• general virology techniques (infections, propagation, plaque assays)
• Flow cytometry
• Confocal microscopy
• TIRF microscopy in combination with single particle tracking
• Quartz-Crytstal Microbalance

Additionally, the applicant should further demonstrate excellent communication skills in English, both in oral and written form. He/she should have documented supervision of students on the undergraduate level. He/she should be able y to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment, in particular with biophysicists.

An excellent understanding of the potential and principle of biophysical tools to probe virus-membrane interactions is an additional merit.

The application must contain

1. A personal letter that illustrates qualifications and motivation
2. CV
3. Copy of PhD certificate
4. Contacts to 2-3 references

Documents that are sent electronically must be in word of pdf format.

The application must be made electronically, last day to apply is  July 2, 2021

Other information

Full time position, 24 months, start after agreement.

For questions, contact; Marta Bally. E-mail marta.bally@umu.se

We welcome your application!