Postdoctoral position in DNA damage analysis in cancer

Information about the project and the research group
This project will be carried out in a highly interdisciplinary environment at the interface between biological and medical sciences. The aim of the project is to use a recently developed technique that identifies single damage sites on DNA to personalize cancer chemotherapy. It is well known that different patients respond differently to a specific dose of a cytotoxic drug but this is something that is difficult to know before a specific treatment is started. The goal of the project is to, from a simple blood sample, be able to say how sensitive a specific person is to a specific drug. This will be done by exposing the blood sample to the drug of interest and subsequently count the number of damage sites the drug has caused. This is done using a novel single DNA molecule technique where individual damage sites are fluorescently labeled and subsequently analyzed using fluorescence microscopy. The project is run in close collaboration with Sahlgrenska University Hospital, meaning that we will have excellent access to clinically relevant samples.

This postdoc project will be carried out as a collaboration between Assoc. Prof. Fredrik Westerlund at Chalmers University of Technology and Prof. Ola Hammarsten at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. The group of F. Westerlund works on developing new tools for analysis of single DNA molecules with applications ranging  from single molecule biophysics to clinical diagnostics. The group of O. Hammarsten works on novel ways of personalizing chemtherapy by measuring DNA damage in clinical samples exposed to cytotoxic drugs.

Major responsibilities
The Post Doc will work with the development of analytical procedures to quantify DNA damage and also ways of isolating DNA from human cells. Experiments will be performed primarily using fluorescence microscopy. 

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
The successful candidate should have a PhD in biosciences, biophysics, bioengineering, analytical chemistry, or related disciplines. Expertise in cancer biology, in the design of bioanalytical assays or in  fluorescence microscopy would be a strong asset. Some basic knowledge in Matlab is also preferred. 

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure

The application should be marked with Ref 20160488 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:


• Application: (Please name the document in the e-recruitment system as: APPLICATION, Surname, reference number)
- CV, include complete list of publications
- Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
- Two references that we can contact.
• Personal letter/Qualifications: (Please name the document as: QUALIFICATIONS, family name, ref. number) 
- 1-3 pages where you introduce yourself and present your qualifications.
- Previous research fields and main research results.
- Future goals and research focus. Are there any specific projects and research issues you are primarily interested in?
• Other:
- Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 10 January, 2017

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor Fredrik Westerlund, Chemical Biology
E-mail: fredrikw@chalmers.se
Phone +46 31 772 30 49


*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Building Futures, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!