Postdoctoral position in non-canonical DNA structures - ,

The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University, Sweden, invites applicants for a two-year Postdoctoral position in non-canonical DNA structures. The position is expected to start in mid-November or according to agreement. Application deadline is Sept 14th, 2023.  
 

Description of the project 

The postdoctoral fellow will study non-canonical DNA structures, such as G-quadruplex DNA and i-motifs both by biophysical and biochemical methods, as well as in cancer cells. The aim is to understand the role of these structures in health and disease.  
 

Work responsibilities 

The project will be conducted under the supervision of Associate Professor Nasim Sabouri. The research in the group is focused on the function of non-canonical DNA structures, such as G-quadruplex DNA and i-motifs in the genome. Methods that will be used are NMR and NMR structure calculations, circular dichroism spectroscopy, Real-Time PCR, and primer extension assays. Detection of G-quadruplex DNA structures and i-motifs in cells will be performed by fluorescence microscopy and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Work using cancer drug candidates will also be performed.  

Eligibility  

A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate within biochemistry, cell- and molecular biology, or related discipline, is eligible for appointment as postdoctoral researcher. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time at which the appointment decision is made.  
 
We seek highly motivated candidates with documented experience in studies of non-canonical DNA structures, in particular G-quadruplex DNA and i-motifs. Experience within the field of cancer is advantageous. You should have hands-on experience with NMR spectroscopy, NMR structure calculations, circular dichroism spectroscopy, human cell culturing, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, Real-Time PCR, primer extension assays, cancer drug candidates analysis, and fluorescence microscopy. You should have a strong relevant research output, as evidenced by first authorship, or publications presenting ground-breaking new research findings within the non-canonical DNA structure field.

 
Candidates must be fluent in spoken and written English. Since the project will be of collaborative nature, candidates are expected to function in a team and therefore have a good ability to co-operate. Excellent communication skills are required for interacting effectively with colleagues and peers, including colleagues from complementary research fields. Good initiative ability is a requirement, as well as experience in applying for research funding.  
 

Additional useful qualifications  

Since appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is a career-development position for junior researchers, we are primarily interested in applicants who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, an applicant who has completed their degree earlier than that may be considered. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, clinical practice, appointments of trust for a trade union organisation or other similar circumstances, and for relevant duties/assignments within the subject area.  
 

More information about the position 

The appointment is a full-time, fixed-term position for two years in accordance with the terms of contract for fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher from 1 February 2022. 
 

Application 

The application must include: 

• personal cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position, how you can contribute to the project and in which direction you may want to develop it (no more than 2 A4 pages).
• curriculum vitae that documents academic education and past and previous employments.
• A list with your publications
• A copy of the PhD certificate and other relevant degree certificates
• Names and contact details with e-mail addresses of two or three academic references
• Other relevant documentation you wish to include in support of your application.

The application must be written in Swedish or English. The application must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received latest September 14th, 2023.

 
If there are questions, please contact Ass. Professor Nasim Sabouri, nasim.sabouri@umu.se . 

We welcome your application!