Project Assistant

The Department of Medical and Translational Biology at the Faculty of Medicine is now seeking a project assistant for a research project related to human brain aging. The position is full-time and limited to 12 months.

Project Description

Human brain aging is one of the main risk factors for the development of neurodegenerative disorders, therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms behind healthy brain aging is extremely relevant. Our group approaches this question from a novel perspective, by studying the role of transposable elements (TEs) in this process. TEs occupy 50% of the human genome and are known to be very strong gene regulators. Therefore, to avoid their harmful effects, in adult tissues they are silenced by epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation. Dr. Horvath’s previous research has uncovered several mechanisms by which TEs regulate gene expression in the human brain, including through interaction with their epigenetic repressors such as DNA methylation. Importantly, our preliminary data revealed significant alterations in this epigenetic repression as we age, posing one of the group’s main research questions: How do age-related changes in epigenetic repression alter the impact of TEs in the elderly brain?

In this project we will aim to answer this question by focusing on the white matter in the brain, known to be greatly affected during aging, and its main cell type, oligodendrocytes. We will leverage patient-derived material such as post-mortem tissue and cell models, including cellular reprogramming coupled with CRISPR gene editing. We use state-of-the-art sequencing methods e.g. Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing and 10X genomics single-cell sequencing. Moreover, we will work with TE tailored bioinformatic approaches for analyzing the generated datasets.

The laboratory of Functional Neurogenomics led by Dr. Horvath is a new and dynamically growing research group, where you will be part of a vibrant and stimulating international environment.

Work Duties

As a Project Assistant, you will work with patient-derived material such as post-mortem brain samples and cell models (neural progenitor cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, neurons and oligodendrocytes). You will have the opportunity to learn cellular reprogramming using lentiviral vectors and to manipulate these cells using CRISPR gene editing, also as part of a possible future therapeutic approach. You will also use state-of-the art whole genome sequencing methods such as Oxford Nanopore DNA and RNA sequencing, 10X Genomics snRNA sequencing, CUT&RUN, and Illumina RNA-seq. You will be responsible for performing the experiments but with guidance from the lab members you will also have the opportunity to use TE-tailored bioinformatical approaches to analyze and interpret your results. While your main focus will be your research project, you will also work in close collaboration with other lab members, and will have the chance to present your research in internal and external meetings.

Qualifications

To be eligible for employment as a Project Assistant, the applicant must have a Master’s Degree or equivalent foreign degree in biomedicine, neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology or a similar field. A background in any of the following fields is required: Neuroscience, epigenetics, genetics, gene regulation. The candidate must have excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written, as well as good communication skills.

Personal Qualities

We seek a talented, detail-oriented and curious candidate with critical thinking skills, willingness to learn and who can both work independently and collaboratively within the research group.

Meritorious

Great emphasis will be placed on personal competence, and in addition to the above-mentioned qualifications, experience with one or more of the following will be viewed favourably:

• Good knowledge in Molecular Biology Techniques (DNA extraction, RNA extraction, cloning, Next generation sequencing)
• Bioinformatic data analysis skills
• Documented Experience in communicating scientific results

Application

Your application should be written in English and submitted via the e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 2026-01-20.

The application must include:

• A short cover letter (approximately one A4 page) describing the applicant’s research experience, research interests, and suitability for the project.
• A CV (Curriculum Vitae) including degrees, technical expertise, employment history, and names and contact information for 2 referees.
• Other documents the applicant wishes to include.

The position is full-time and limited to 12 months.

Contact Information:

Information about the position is provided by Vivien Horváth
 Email: vivien.horvath@umu.se
 Department of Medical and Translational Biology
 Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå

We look forward to receiving your application!