Intermittent employment for molecular work related to eDNA

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.

Department of Ecology and environmental science, Umeå University is hiring a laboratory assistant to extract and amplify eDNA and prepare samples for metabarcoding. The employment is an intermittent employment, please see more information below. The start date is February 9th, 2024 or according to agreement. Last day to apply is February 4th, 2024. Most welcome with your application!

Project description
Are you interested in working with an environmentally related project? We’re looking for a candidate who would help us determine the diet of insectivorous birds. In particular, we’re interested in the impact of habitats, but more importantly the impact of pollutants on the diet of birds.

Work tasks
The laboratory assistant would help with a project financed by Göran Gustafssons Lapplandsfond.

The work tasks would involve:

• Extraction of DNA from bird faeces
• Amplification of DNA (PCR-reactions)
• Quality control
• Preparing samples for metabarcoding

Qualifications
We’re looking for a person with a Masters degree in Ecology, Biology, Molecular Biology or equivalent with practical experience in molecular work, specifically experience in handling eDNA samples, DNA extractions, PCR-amplification and gel electrophoresis. Experience in DNA extractions of bird faeces in particular and troubleshooting to optimize extraction- and amplification protocols are a merit.

The preliminary work period for this intermittent employment is February-March 2024, but with a framework agreement lasting for 9 months for this job. This is to provide the opportunity for work even after the scheduled work period, should the need arise.

Application
You apply through our recruitment tool Varbi. The application, written in Swedish or English, should include:

• CV and cover letter
• Copies of grades and certificates
• Names and contact information for two references.

Intermittent employment
Intermittent employment with a framework agreement means that you may be offered scheduled work opportunities during a framework period of up to 12 months. The employment opportunities are time-limited according to the Swedish Employment Protection Act (LAS) § 5, 1st paragraph. Being available in this way means that you can choose to accept or decline each opportunity offered to work, and a new employment agreement begins with each individual occasion that you work. In practice, this means that you have an hourly employment arrangement.

Contact
If you have questions about the employment, please contact Åsa Berglund; [email protected]