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.
The Department of Molecular biology at Umeå University is currently seeking a staff scientist for a full- time position to work with the project µNordic Single Cell Hub (µNiSCH). Start date 1 October 2024. Probationary employment may occur.
Technological innovations play a crucial role in advancing biological and biomedical research. This is particularly evident today, with the emergence of high-throughput microfluidic technologies that empower researchers to address fundamental questions at the single-cell (SC) level. SC analysis of genomes, transcriptomes, chromatin state and spatial biology has quickly moved from a niche area of research to a much broader use. As opposed to classical bulk methods, SC analysis provides an unbiased insight into biologically meaningful heterogeneity within populations of cells, and understanding the relation between cellular phenotype, functionality, and microenvironment in tissues. The µNordic Single Cell Hub (µNiSCH) facility has been operationalized to addressing the complexity of these interactions in microbes at single cell resolution, within their natural niches and hosts.
The primary goal of µNordic Single Cell Hub (µNiSCH) is to consolidate essential expertise and equipment necessary for the analysis of individual cells. The facility will be instrumental in developing new molecular tools and exploring the intricate dynamics of microbial interactions — including those between different microbes, microbes and their environments, microbes and their hosts. We collectively refer to these interactions as microbe-niche interactions. This integrated approach underscores our commitment to understanding the comprehensive complexity of microbes-niche interactions providing unique services to its users and lay the groundwork for further innovation.
You will focus on the following specific topics: 1) to develop new techniques for high-throughput microfluidic technologies; 2) to characterize the genomic and transcriptomic determinants governing bacterial heterogeneity at single cell resolution; and 3) guide researchers through the initial experimental stages, i.e., optimal experimental setups including preparation of samples, pooling strategies, and best practices on how to minimize technical artifacts; 4) train users for available technologies in µNiSCH; 5) coordinate bookings of outside users, archiving and barcoding samples;
Work tasks
You, as staff scientist, will be involved in the development of large-scale, high-throughput microfluidic technologies. The person will also be responsible for the optimization and development of new analytical methods, sample preparation and analysis, and day-to-day maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrading of the instruments such as Onyx Droplet Generator (Atrandi) and Chromium (10x Genomics). The person will also train new users for using available technologies, and apply for funding for technology upgrade and maintenance.
Qualifications
Candidates must hold a PhD degree in Molecular Biology. You should be highly motivated, have very good communication skills with senior colleagues and peers and the ability to interact in a team.
You must have previous experience in molecular biology, particularly in the development of next generation sequencing (NGS) methods, sample preparation, and analysis in Microfluidics using semi-permeable capsules. You must have a good working knowledge of standard molecular biology and biochemistry techniques (including DNA cloning, protein production and purification) and show proficiency in microbiology and basic microscopy methods. Experience in bulk NGS technologies is also a must. You must have demonstrated expertise (at least 5 years) in molecular biology and at least 2 years teaching experience in further or higher education. A good knowledge of RNA biology is essential. Demonstrating proficiency in the High-throughput screening, qRT-PCR, Hybridization techniques, Metagenomics, Gene deletion, RNA purification and library preparation for NGS would be highly advantageous for this role.
Desirable qualifications
Experience in development of high throughput screening methods for bacterial secretion systems will be very positively valued. Knowledge of molecular bacteriology and gastrointestinal pathogens is an advantage as is evidence of productive work in an interdisciplinary environment.
Application
Apply via our recruitment system no later than July 16, 2024. The application should include:
· A 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 one A4 page).
· A curriculum vitae that documents academic education and past and previous employments.
· Your publication list (up to 15 original research article), including a brief description of your contribution to your most important papers.
· Copy of PhD certificate.
· Names and contact details with e-mail addresses of two to three academic references.
· Other relevant documentation you wish to include in support of your application.
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
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