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.

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The Department of Chemistry is seeking a PhD-student in computational science with a specialization in chemistry. Focus is on multivariate data analysis. Application deadline is 18th October 2021.


Project description
Biologics are a class of medications that have already had a profound impact on many medical fields, primarily rheumatology and oncology, and have expanded therapeutic options for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Biologics are commercially produced by living cells, a process being inherently complex, partly due to the current lack of understanding of the factors influencing it, that impact product efficiency and quality.

The presented project will focus on modelling of high-throughput omics data from the characterization of main biopharmaceutical production processes, based on the Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell line. This with the aim to obtain enhanced understanding of the process on a molecular level, which will contribute to the future optimization of to improve the production of biologics.

The main challenge in industrial processes based on complex biological systems is efficient real-time monitoring, control and prediction of the process outcome. Mathematical models are quite often used for these purposes. For the duration of the project we will apply and develop modern data analytics approaches based on multivariate data analysis methods for characterization of normal and deviating evolution of cellular metabolism during biomanufacturing processes.

The project will be performed in collaboration with Sartorius, a total solutions provider for the modern biopharmaceutical industry and a world leader in industrial process monitoring and control using multivariate technology. The candidate will have the possibility to spend parts of the project time in the Sartorius office in Umeå where you will interact with other Sartorius members, including developers and data scientists. Furthermore, you will be given the opportunity for several on-site visits to the Sartorius bioprocessing lab in Göttingen, where all experiments will be done, and to Sartorius Cellca, to interact with people developing commercial CHO cell lines.


Qualifications
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in chemistry, the applicant is required to have completed at least 90 ECTS credits in computational science and engineering courses, of which at least 30 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level. Computational science and engineering courses refers to courses with major quantitative, statistical or computing science elements, such as courses in computing science, mathematics and mathematical statistics, and relevant courses in biology, ecology, physics and chemistry. Applicants who in some other system either within Sweden or abroad have acquired largely equivalent skills are also eligible.

Good knowledge in English, both written and spoken, is required. The candidate is able to work in a structured and solution-oriented way, and is interested in learning new things, especially in Advanced Data Analytics area. Very good communication skills and the ability to work in a team are also requirements.

Experience with design of experiment, multivariate data analysis tools and statistics is a merit as well as thorough understanding and hands-on experience in application of modern high-resolution methods for analysis of biological samples.


Terms of employment
The appointment aims at a PhD degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which includes participation in research projects as well as postgraduate courses. In the assignments, teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years full-time or up to five years when part-time teaching. The salary placement takes place according to the established salary level for doctoral employment.

 

Application
A complete application should contain the following documents:

  • A cover letter including a description of your research interests and motivation for applying
  • A Curriculum Vitae
  • Certified copies of degree certificates or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades

Applications must be submitted via our e-recruitment system. The last day to apply is 18 October 2021.

For more information please contact Professor Henrik Antti, henrik.annti@umu.se.


About us
The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees, of which approximately 50 doctoral students, and a strong and expanding research. The Department has three major research areas: Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry, and Technical Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical-Biological Center. Information about the postgraduate education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website:

www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-science-and-technology/education/doctoral-studies/chemistry/.

 

For more information about working at Umeå University,

https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/ .

 

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment By agreement
Salary Monthly
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-1352-21
Contact
  • Henrik Antti, 090-786 53 59
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 24.Sep.2021
Last application date 18.Oct.2021 11:59 PM CEST

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