Senior research assistant - ,

The Department of Integrative Medical Biology is looking for a senior research assistant in our Laboratory for Experimental Ophthalmology and Musculoskeletal Research. The employment is 11 months fulltime starting 2022-12-01 or upon agreement.

Description of the position

Our research team focuses on mechanistic aspects of wound healing in epithelium and connective tissue, and of collagen scar formation, more particularly the role of the collagen producing cells. We aim at unravelling intra- and intercellular signaling pathways that may be targets for future drugs interfering with wound healing and scar forming processes, particularly in the cornea and tendon. The role of the collagen producing cells in wound healing is evaluated in vitro, partly in a three-dimensional cell culture model.

The position involves work on a range of biochemical and cell/molecular biology techniques for different research projects within the two research teams of the laboratory (see Qualifications for more information on the methodological competence needed).

We are looking for an enterprising researcher on postdoctoral level, with great bench-experience from experimental biomedical research, and with an interest to perform studies on the pathophysiology of different conditions affecting connective tissues. The role of the senior research assistant in the project would be to independently plan, design and perform experiments, develop methods and perform analysis, as well as tutor/help junior members/students of the team.

Qualifications

To be eligible for the position, the applicant should have PhD in biology or another relevant subject area. Furthermore, the applicant should have experience from postdoctoral research work, have ample experience from work on cell cultures with fibroblast-like cells (including primary cells from muscle, tendon and cornea), experience from work with three-dimensional cell culture model and independently master the following methods:

• qPCR
• FACs
• Western blot
• Fluorescencemikroskopi (including live imaging)
• Cell viability and apoptosis assays
• RNA-sequencing
• Mechanical loading of cells (FlexCell system)

We are looking for a talented and motivated candidate with a record of productive research, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. It is presupposed that the candidate masters scientific English and have good general communication skills in English both written and verbal. The candidate’s collaborative skills and suitability for the project are especially considered in the assessment of the candidate's qualifications.

Terms of employment and application

The position is fulltime for 11 months starting 2022-12-01, or upon agreement. Your need to register your application in our E-recruitment system Varbi no later than 2022-11-11. The application should be written in English or Swedish and must contain:

1. A short cover letter (about one A4 page) with description of the applicant’s research experience, research interests and motivation for the application.
2. Curriculum Vitae including all relevant degrees with certifications, technical expertise, previous employments, publication list.
3. Names and contact information of two references.

Other

For more information please contact Associate Professor Ludvig Backman, ludvig.backman@umu.se

More information about the group's research can be found on our website:

https://www.umu.se/en/research/projects/what-are-the-mechanisms-behind-scar-formation-and-degeneration-in-collagen-rich-tissues/

https://www.umu.se/en/research/projects/mechanism-for-regeneration-of-muskulotendinous-tissue/

Welcome to apply!