PhD Position in Genomics and Bioinformatics

Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics
The successful applicant will be employed at the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics. The department has approximately 55 employees and conducts research in molecular genetics, bioinformatics, quantitative and applied genetics. The department belongs to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (VH) and is located in the Center for Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (VHC) at Ultuna Campus in Uppsala. We contribute to several undergraduate education programs for veterinarians, animal nurses and agronomists at SLU. The department also has a laboratory (HGEN-lab) providing services, including DNA testing and parental control of domestic animals and international genetic breeding evaluation for cattle through the Interbull Center. More information about the department of Animal Breeding and Genetics and about working at SLU can be found at https://www.slu.se/en/departments/animalgenetics/ and https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/.

This project has been made possible by a generous contribution from “Skriftställare Birgitta Carlssons fond”.

Inherited retinal degenerative diseases in dogs.
Description:
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD-student to join our ongoing research on inherited retinal degenerative diseases (IRDs) in dogs. This is a heterogeneous group of diseases that for example includes various forms of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and a canine form of Stargardt disease. The focus of the project is to understand the biology and the genetics of IRDs. Corresponding diseases are also often affecting humans. The majority of the IRDs are incurable leading to severe visual impairment and blindness in both species. However, research on canine IRDs has made significant contributions to the development of advanced gene therapy treatments for humans.

The doctoral project aims to identify the genetic causes of new forms of retinal degenerative diseases where the genetics behind IRDs in dogs is unknown. The results of this research project will be important for the development of novel treatments and to help dog breeders make well-founded choices that reduce the risk for cases of manifest IRDs in the dog populations. The doctoral student will work together with researchers in several scientific areas including molecular genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics and veterinary ophthalmology.

Qualifications:
To be admitted for doctoral studies the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer System), of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education or qualifications, that we will carefully evaluate for relevance. Relevant fields of Master’s degree (or equivalent) for this PhD position includes for example biology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, biomedicine and bioinformatics or corresponding topics. The applicant must have excellent English language skills (both oral and written).

Meriting:
Good knowledge and previous experience with massive parallel sequencing (next generation sequencing), genome analysis, , bioinformatics, programming, laboratory work in molecular biology and molecular genetics is meriting. We are looking for an individual who can work independently and collaborate in a research team. As the work will involve contacts with dog-owners, the ability to speak and write in Swedish is a meriting but not a requirement.

Place of work:      
Uppsala

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment (4 years).

Employment rate:
100%

Tillträde:
According to the agreement.

Ansökan
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2023-04-30.

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programs, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English and Swedish. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/new-doctoral-students/english-language-requirements/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.

www.slu.se