Post doctor (2 years) to the Department of Molecularbiology

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 seeks a postdoctor, dedicated to a groundbreaking research project focusing on the effects of the bacterial protein MakA on cancer cell signalling pathways. It is a temporary position for two years on full time. The position is expected to start in May 2024 or upon agreement.

Description of the project

The primary objective of this project is to investigate the impact of secreted factors from bacteria on the cancer cell signalling, with a specific focus on the virulence factors from Vibrio cholerae. Recent studies have highlighted that the bacterial protein MakA, derived from V. cholerae, can modulate apoptosis, influencing autophagy, and interacting with lipid kinase pathways. The project aims to elucidate MakA’s role in lipid-mediated signalling and its interaction with cholinergic receptors in tumour cells. The overarching goal is to lay the groundwork for innovative approaches to cancer treatment.

 Work tasks

This full-time, two-year fixed-term position offers a unique opportunity for an ambitious researcher to join our team. The work tasks include to plan and carry out experimental research in a project that concerns in-depth analysis and experimentation aimed at uncovering the mechanisms by which MakA influences cancer progression, expected to contribute to the advancement of new therapeutic strategies. The experimental studies include several methods for bacterial genetic and cell biology analyses, and it is included in the work responsibilities to summarize data from those analyses for scientific publications and presentations at scientific meetings.

Eligibility 

A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate in Medical Sciences, with a focus on Molecular Biology 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. 

The research project will utilize both bacterial genetics and cell biology techniques; therefore, candidates must show documented experience in conducting both bacterial genetic and cell biology analyses. Given the potential hazards of working with clinical strains of V. cholerae, candidates must have extensive experience in researching pathogenic bacterial species using Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) practises, with a specific emphasis on V. cholerae. It is crucial that candidates demonstrate their expertise and knowledge through scientific publications, particularly in the areas of bacterial secreted factors’ effects on cancer cell epigenetic modifications, lipid kinase signalling pathways, and cholinergic receptor-mediated signalling in cancer cells.

Fluency in both spoken and written English is mandatory. The ideal applicant will be highly motivated, with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively, and will have excellent communication skills, crucial for effective interaction with senior researchers and peers from various scientific disciplines.

Additional qualifying merits

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. 

Of particular merit is to have previous research experience in studying the pathogenesis of V. cholerae and investigating the interactions between bacterial secreted factors and cancer cell signalling.

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.

More information about the group’s research can be found on our website https://www.umu.se/en/staff/sun-nyunt-wai/

For more information of The Department of Molecular biology please visit our website www.umu.se/en/department-of-molecular-biology . 

Application

The application must include:

• A brief description of your research interests and a statement describing why you are interested in the position.
• CV
• List of publications
• Degree certificate from doctoral studies and other relevant degrees
• Contact details of two reference persons

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 2 April 2024.

We look forward to receiving your application!