Postdoctoral fellow in RNA Biology with emphasis on miRNAs

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 49 000 students and 6 400 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.


The Institute of Biomedicine is involved in both research and education. In both of these areas, we focus on fundamental knowledge of the living cell – what it consists of, how it works, how its function is directed by the genetic material, and how it interacts with various kinds of micro-organisms. Using this knowledge, we try to elucidate the causes of diseases, and find new ways to diagnose and treat them. At present, the institute has about 360 employees and approximately 440 million SEK in total assets.

A postdoctoral fellow position is available immediately to study nuclear RNAi in cancer models in the Sarshad lab at the depertment of Medical Chemistry and Cell Biology at the Institute of Biomedicine.


Subject area
RNA Biology with emphasis on miRNAs

Subject area description
The goal of the research in the Sarshad lab is to study miRNAs, small non-coding RNA molecules, and their interaction with Argonautes (AGO) proteins. Together they silence target mRNAs. AGOs-miRNAs contribute to gene regulation in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. In our lab, we focus on the nuclear gene regulation mediated by RNA interference (RNAi) factors.

Job assignments
The successful candidate is expected to work independently, give critical input to the project and design experiments together with the supervisor. The postdoctoral researcher will be leading a project aimed at better understanding the mode of action of nuclear Argonaute-microRNAs/siRNAs in cancer models.

Eligibility
An achieved doctoral degree is compulsory for a position as postdoctor at Göteborg University. The doctoral thesis shall be in a relevant area according to the specific position stated here. Since a position as postdoctor aims to give new holders of the doctorate the opportunity mainly to strengthen and develop their scholarly proficiency, we aim for those who have a doctoral degree not older than 3 years counting from last date of application.

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

Assessment
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: western blotting, PCR, qPT-PCR, DNA and RNA gel electrophorese, cloning and transfections (plasmids and siRNAs). Furthermore, the candidate should have experience in small RNA library preparation for either miRNAs or PAR-CLIP assays. The candidate should be able to culture cancer cells. Stem cell culturing is a merit but not required. The use and knowledge of simpler bioinformatic tools (such as in R or in Python) is a plus.

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 as well as with research grants as main applicant.

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 placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed.

For further information:
Please contact: Aishe Sarshad, Researcher, phone number 031-786-5704 or email aishe.sarshad@gu.se

Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

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
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How to apply
In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the 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

Closing date: 2020-12-30

 

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Salary is determined on an individual basis.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.

 


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.