Two PhD student positions in Medical Science

See full ad: http://www8.umu.se/umu/aktuellt/arkiv/lediga_tjanster/313-395-10.html Two positions in Medical Science with orientation towards Molecular Biology.PhD positions in the subject of: Regulation and role of Type VI secretion system components in Vibrio cholerae Project description Recent studies of many different Gram-negative bacteria species have led to the identification of a new type of protein secretion system, named Type VI Secretion System (T6SS).It is now clear that many pathogenic bacteria known to manipulate host-cell physiologies are equipped with T6SS.This recently discovered secretion apparatus delivers macromolecules designed to subvert host cell defenses and thereby facilitates bacterial survival and propagation in the environment of the eukaryotic host.This may involve alteration of crucial host-cell functions such as signaling cascades and inflammatory responses.The two PhD students recruitment is aimed at studies of the role of regulatory factors modulating expression of the T6SS secreted protein Hcp and the role of sRNA in the molecular mechanisms controlling induction of T6SS secretion in serotype O1 strains and in non-O1 non-O139 strains of Vibrio cholerae.The work will be performed in close collaboration with other research groups within the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR) Linnaeus Program.High-Throughput-Screening (HTS) will be used to identify compounds that affect the induction or function of the T6SS.The intended PhD students should have documented competence and qualifications to perform molecular microbiology studies with the pathogenic strains of V. cholerae.Specific requirements The recruitment procedure will follow the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen chapters 5 and 7).Prerequisites at time of registration as PhD-student include either i) 240 ECTS credits (swe.högskolepoäng) of higher education studies of which 60 should be on an advanced level within Molecular biology, Biochemistry, bioengineering and /or Microbiology, or ii) 120 Swedish (old) credits (swe.poäng; corresponding to 180 ECTS-credits) of higher education studies if they were taken before July 1, 2007 or equivalent competence.The PhD student needs to be skilled in both oral and written communication in English, be able to work independently and self-motivated, as well as in collaboration with others.Prior hands-on experience in work with pathogenic V. cholerae bacteria and experience with molecular genetic techniques are meriting.Further information For more information, contact Prof.Sun Nyunt Wai, MD PhD, Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.Applications will be discarded or, if the applicant so wishes, returned two years after the position has been filled.Documents sent electronically should be in MS Word or PDF format.If you are applying to several positions with different reference numbers, you must submit a separate application for each position. We look forward to receiving your application!