Karolinska Institutet, Institutionen för biovetenskaper och näringslära, Andersson (EAN)

The Department of Biosciences and Nutrition performs research and education in several areas of medical science including bioorganic chemistry, molecular endocrinology, cancer biology, functional genomics, systems biology, epigenetics, structural biochemistry, cellular virology, and nutrition. It offers an excellent international research and working environment, including around 300 scientists, students, administrative and technical personnel. The Department resides in the new biomedical research building Neo, aimed at being a creative and open environment that enables meetings, synergies, and exploration of areas of mutual interest across disciplines.

Description of research group and project
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to Emma Andersson´s research group (www.anderssonlab.com). The group is interested in the genetic basis of embryonic development, with a focus on genetic mutations which result in serious developmental disorders and cancer. microRNAs exquisitely fine-tune the stability and translation of mRNAs into proteins, determining the functional output of genes. Together with Katja Petzold’s group (www.petzoldlab.com), the group investigates the roll of sequence and structure of microRNAs in controlling their mRNA “targetome”, in development of the embryo.

For more info, see also:https://kaw.wallenberg.org/sma-molekyler-styr-hjarnans-utveckling-och-cancer (website in Swedish).

The postdoctoral researcher will belong to the department of Bioscience and Nutrition (Bionut), Huddinge campus. As the Andersson lab also has a laboratory at the department of Cellular and Molecular Biology (CMB), at the Karolinska Institutet Solna campus, close collaboration with the Solna campus, and the Petzold lab in the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, will be facilitated.

The postdoc will be financed by a scholarship.

Duties
The postdoctoral project entails studying targeting of an array of mRNAs by a microRNA, using qPCR, single cell transcriptomics and single cell proteomics. Studies will be performed in vitro (in cell culture) and in vivo (in mouse embryos). Close collaboration with bioinformaticians, structural biologists and physical chemists will elucidate a structure-function code.

Qualifications
We are looking for a curious, driven and creative person with an interest in microRNAs, embryonic development and disease. An ability to take initiative and good communication skills are a merit. Position-specific requirements are;
 

  • A PhD degree in microRNA biology or similar field.
  • A strong background in microRNA biology, including detection and quantification of microRNAs, quantification of mRNA target abundance, luciferase assays for determination of seed sequence specificity, and IP of for example Argonaut for microRNA loading.
  • Strong background in cloning, plasmid production, cell culture, transfection methods.
  • Since the project entails work with animals, experience in laboratory animal work, specifically mice, is a merit.
  • Excellent written and oral communication in English

Entry requirements
Scholarships for carrying out postdoctoral research may be granted to persons living in other countries who come to Sweden with the intention of only staying in Sweden for all or part of their postdoctoral education at KI. Persons who are resident in Sweden and/or have carried out all or part of their academic education at KI or some other educational institution in Sweden cannot be considered for scholarships from KI. The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish PhD or higher.

Type of scholarship
A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent. This educational scholarship is tax-exempt.

The amount is set for twelve months at a time and is paid out on a monthly basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

Application process
An application must contain the following documents in English:

  1. CV max. 3 pages, including date of the thesis defense, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
  2. Verification from the thesis defense committee or the equivalent (only if the thesis defense is scheduled within three months after the application deadline)
  3. Copies of degree certificate and associated certificates
  4. Complete publication list with links to degree project and any previous publications
  5. Contact information of two references, recommendation letters are also welcome.
  6. A letter of motivation (max. 1 page).
  7. A summary of current work (max. 1 page).

The application is to be submitted on the MyNetwork recruitment system.

Type of employment Postdoctoral studies.
Contract type Full time
Reference number 2-3054/2017
Contact
  • Emma Andersson, Assistant Professor, +46-8-524 873 60
  • Thomas Tinglöv, Head of Administration, +46-8-524 835 49
Union representative
  • Joseph Rafter, SACO, +46-8- 524 83 545
  • Henry Wölling, SEKO, +46-8-524 840 80
  • Birgitta Lindqvist, OFR, +46-8-524 810 28
Published 14.Aug.2017
Last application date 04.Sep.2017 11:59 PM CEST

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