Research Assistant in FISH-based studies of genome architecture and gene expression - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

A fixed-term (max 9 months) position as Research Assistant will be available from January 2019 in the Bienko and Crosetto labs for Quantitative Genome Biology (https://bienkocrosettolabs.org/). The main task of the position will be supporting ongoing projects in both groups by performing high-throughput DNA and RNA FISH assays, including probe preparation and QC, hybridization, imaging, and image processing.

Research environment
The Bienko and Crosetto labs are two highly integrated research groups working on genome architecture (Bienko group) and genome fragility (Crosetto group) in healthy and disease conditions. We pioneered BLESS, the first method for direct genome-wide localization of DNA double-strand-breaks DSBs (Crosetto et al., Nature Methods 2013), and recently further advanced the technology by developing BLISS (Yan et al., Nat Commun 2017; Mirzazadeh et al., Meth Mol Biol 2018). We have also developed GPSeq, a new method based on massively parallel sequencing that enables to measure the radial nuclear position of thousands of genomic loci simultaneously (manuscript in preparation). We are applying BLISS and GPSeq, together with a variety of other genome-wide techniques (RNA-seq, HiC), to investigate the relationship between genome architecture and fragility in various contexts.

Our labs are located at the Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab) situated at the Karolinska Institute campus in Stockholm. SciLifeLab is an interdisciplinary center for molecular biosciences with focus on health and environmental research, bringing under the same roof groups from four universities: Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University and Uppsala University. The center features state-of-the-art technology platforms, including next-generation sequencing, high-throughput histology, super-resolution microscopy, proteomics, image analysis, and bioinformatics.

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary and dynamic team of international researchers, including clinicians, biologists, biotechnologists, engineers, computer scientists, and physicists. Our mission is to transform the way we understand complex biological phenomena and diseases such as cancer, by integrating next-generation sequencing technologies, single-molecule microscopy methods, and advanced computational tools.

Duties
Specific tasks will include:

1. High-throughput production and QC of oligonucleotide probes using in-house pipelines and automated fluidic systems
2. Preparation of samples for DNA and RNA FISH, including cell culturing and sample processing according to the 3D DNA FISH protocol
3. Probe hybridization following in-house protocols
4. Imaging of samples using epifluorescence microscopy
5. Image processing (dot finding) using in-house software

Entry requirements
The successful candidate shall hold a Bachelor Degree as Laboratory Technician or equivalent. In addition, she/he should have a clearly documented prior experience with DNA and RNA FISH techniques, cell culture, basic molecular biology techniques (nucleic acids purification, PCR, in vitro transcription, cDNA synthesis). Prior experience with image analysis tools (Fiji, ImageJ) and/or Matlab software is highly desired. A strong sense of duty and a keen motivation to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment are indispensable.

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

1. A complete curriculum vitae, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
2. A complete list of publications
3. A summary of current work (no more than one page)
4. Verifications for crediting of illness, military service, work for labour unions or studentorganisations, parental leave or similar circumstances
5. Verification from the thesis defence committee or the equivalent (only if the thesis defence is scheduled within three months after the application deadline)