Postdoctoral fellow in RNA biology in collaboration with AstraZeneca

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

 

A postdoctoral position is available immediately to study the role of RNA interference (RNAi) in cancers. The project is a collaboration between the Sarshad lab (www.sarshadlab.com) at the University of Gothenburg and the Oligonucleotide unit at AstraZeneca. Gothenburg, Sweden is a national hub for therapeutic oligonucleotide research and in this project, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge research tools and you will work at the interface of basic and industry research.

 

Subject area 
RNA biology

 

Subject area description 
The research focus of the Sarshad lab is to study small non-coding RNAs and Argonautes (AGO) proteins in disease models and through development. Small RNAs and AGOs silence target mRNAs and contribute to gene regulation in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Despite many reports documenting the presence of the RNAi machinery in cell nuclei, nuclear RNAi has remained largely overlooked, and its potential unexplored. Therefore, uncovering the molecular mechanism of nuclear RNAi and the role of AGO will deliver identification of new pathways to modulate gene expression. The applicant will benefit from extensive collaboration with AstraZeneca and the Sarshad lab to better understand basic regulation of RNA interference.

 

Duties 
The postdoctoral researcher will be leading a project aimed at better understanding the mode of action of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in cancer models. The successful candidate is expected to work independently, give critical input to the project, and design experiments together with the supervisor.

 
Eligibility 
The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg. 

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made. 

In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.  

 

 

Assessment criteria 
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a recent PhD in RNA biology. The candidate should have documented track record in biochemical and molecular biology techniques. Essential techniques are extensive experience with cell culture, western blotting, PCR, qPT-PCR, DNA and RNA gel electrophoresis, cloning and transfections (plasmids and siRNAs). Furthermore, it is a strong merit if the candidate has experience in small RNA library preparation for CLIP assays. The ability to use and knowledge of simpler bioinformatic tools such as in R or in Python is a strong merit.  

The successful candidate is expected to be highly motivated, capable to plan and execute experiments independently and to actively contribute scientifically to the group. These skills should be reflected in publication records.  

Fluency in spoken and written English is a must. A major emphasis will be placed on personal suitability 

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

 

Employment 
The employment is full time and temporary, two years with the possibility of one year's extension, with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed.

 

Selection process 
Help for applicants

 

Contact information 
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Aishe Sarshad, Assistant professor, phone number 031-786-5704 or email aishe.sarshad@gu.se 

 

Unions 
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande 

 

 

Application 

Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.  

The application should contain:

- A cover letter giving a brief description of previous research experience, and a motivation to why you are applying

- A CV including a list of publications

- Proof of completed PhD

- Contact details of two references

 

Applications must be received by: 2023-01-15

 

  

Information for International Applicants 

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: 

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services 
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ 


The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.