PhD position to study regulation and transport of a novel anti-diabetic plant derived metabolite

 

The Faculty of Science / the Institute for Biology is looking for a

PhD Candidate in Plant Molecular Biochemistry

Vacancy number 21-520

Key responsibilities

The chemical diversity of plants, which produce hundreds of thousands of specialized metabolites (i.e. natural products), has been a rich resource for medicine and other valuable compounds. Understanding the biosynthesis of important specialized metabolites on a molecular level enables us to advance the engineering of high-value bioproducts and improve cultivated plant systems.

The plant metabolite montbretin A (MbA) is being developed as a novel therapeutic for diabetes and obesity. To overcome the MbA supply issues, this PhD projects aims at understanding MbA regulation and transport in the native plant and aims to use this knowledge in a synthetic biology approach towards improvement of engineered heterologous MbA production systems.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Plan and conduct research activities
• Present your work and take part in research discussions, write thesis and manuscripts
• Co-supervise students and contribute to lab organisation

Selection Criteria

You are the right candidate if:

• You have a master’s degree in biology, biochemistry or related disciplines.
• You are trained in biochemistry and molecular biology and have experience and good experimental skills in molecular and analytical techniques.
• You possess a strong curiosity with an interest in plant sciences.
• You are highly motivated to obtain a PhD degree and understand the commitment
• You are an enthusiastic person who is keen on gaining new knowledge and learning new technics, enjoys doing science and who is not afraid of a challenge and can be resilient and tolerate stress.
• You have good organisation and time management skills.
• You are capable to structure your work and work independently as well as under supervision and within a research team.
• You are confident in the use of commonly used computer software.
• You have good English skills (spoken and written).         
• Knowledge and experience with plant specialized metabolism, transporter studies, protein biochemistry, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, microscopy and yeast metabolic engineering are an advantage.

Research at our faculty

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2300 staff and almost 5000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

For more information, see here and here.

The Institute for Biology

The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help solving major societal challenges. The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture and increasing good health. Our research focuses on four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease and Evolution & Biodiversity. Located in a thriving scientific environment with our Faculty of Sciences,  Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, the Leiden University Medical Centre and the Leiden Bioscience Park, IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study.  

Terms and conditions 

We offer a full-time 1 year term position for initially one year. The starting date is flexible and can be as early as March 2022. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from € 2.434 to € 3.111 gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science . Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Diversity

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information

Enquiries can be made to Dr. Sandra Irmisch (s.irmisch@biology.leidenuniv.nl). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Sylvia Maas (jobs@biology.leidenuniv.nl).

Applications

To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to jobs@biology.leidenuniv.nl. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents (combined in a single pdf file) quoting the vacancy number:

• A letter of motivation including research interests (max. 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae, including publication list highlighting your contributions
• Relevant certificates (e.g. degree certificate);
• Detailed transcripts from previous education programmes (bachelor and master studies);
• Two letters of reference (including contact details of referees)  

Only applications received before January 31th, 2022  can be considered.

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PhD student in evolutionary genetics at the program Evolutionary Biology

 

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of around SEK 7 billion.

A PhD student position in evolutionary genetics is available at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology.

The Department of Ecology and Genetics is an international environment with staff and students from all over the world. Our research spans from evolutionary ecology and genetics to studies of ecosystems. For more information, see www.ieg.uu.se.

The Evolutionary Biology Centre (http://www.ebc.uu.se/?languageId=1) is one of the world’s leading research institutions in evolutionary biology. It is part of Uppsala University, which has been ranked very high among all European Universities in the subject of evolutionary biology. Our lab is part of the Program of Evolutionary Biology that excels in many aspects of genetics and evolution and offers an inspiring international atmosphere. There are ample opportunities for interaction with PhD-students, PostDocs and researchers working on related topics. We are tightly linked to the Science for Life Laboratory (https://www.scilifelab.se/) and have access to advanced laboratory infrastructure, high performance computing resources and bioinformatics support.

Note that we are announcing two PhD student positions at Evolutionary Biology. In this announcement we are looking for a student to work on Y chromosome evolution and in the other position (#ADD LINK to other position) on comparative genomics of phenotypic plasticity.

Project description/duties: This project will investigate the evolution of Y chromosome within the conceptual framework of sexual antagonism. It will involve long-term experimental evolution methods as well as phylogenetic and comparative transcriptomic analysis to investigate the origins, maintenance and function of non-neutral genetic variation in a heteromorphic Y chromosome. The project utilizes the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus where we have recently discovered unusually high amount on Y-linked variation important for male fitness related traits, and isolated different Y-haplotypes to a common genetic background. Using experimental evolution the aim is to test whether negative frequency dependent selection operates on different Y haplotypes by varying sexual selection and resource competition scenarios. RNA-sequencing will be utilized to examine the role of epistasis in Y-linked regulatory variation affecting gene expression. The project will also investigate the frequency of different Y-haplotypes in the natural populations of C. maculatus and examine their evolution across seed beetle species using phylogenetic analysis. The PhD student position includes research, courses and literature studies.

Qualifications required: To be eligible for a PhD-student position the applicant should hold a master degree (or equivalent) in evolutionary biology, or other fields of relevance to the position example cell and molecular biology or developmental biology. Candidates must be able to express themselves fluently in spoken as well as written English.

Qualifications desired: The ideal candidate is highly motivated and enthusiastic about evolutionary biology, particularly evolutionary genetics. Experience with laboratory experiments, common molecular laboratory methods (DNA/RNA extractions, PCR), bioinformatic analysis and programming are advantageous.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. The graduate program covers four years of full-time study. The position can be combined with teaching or other duties at the department (maximum 20%), which prolongs the employment with the corresponding time. The salary will be set according to local agreements. Rules governing PhD candidates are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala university's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/search/?hits=30&languageId=1&search-language_en=English. More information about postgraduate studies at Uppsala University is available at http://www.teknat.uu.se/education/postgraduate/.

Scope of employment: 100%.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.

Starting date: 2022-04-01 or as otherwise agreed.

Application: The application should include 1) a letter of intent describing yourself, your research interests and motivation of why you want to do a PhD, and why you are suitable for the position, 2) your CV, 3) a short description of your education, 4) a copy of your master degree, your course grades and a copy of your master theisis, 5) the names and contact information to at least two reference persons (e-mail address and phone no.), 6) publications produced The application should be written in English.

For further information about the position please contact: Assistant Professor, Elina Immonen, elina.immonen[AT] ebc.uu.se.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than 31 January, 2022. UFV-PA 2021/4925

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.  

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Ecology and Genetics

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position longer than 6 months

Pay: Fixed salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100 %

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: ST/TCO tco@fackorg.uu.se
Seko Universitetsklubben seko@uadm.uu.se
Saco-rådet saco@uadm.uu.se

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2021/4925

Last application date: 2022-01-31

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PhD student in diabetes research and PET imaging

 

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of around SEK 7 billion.

The Department of Medicinal Chemistry at Uppsala University is a strong and international research environment. The department has about 85 employees and here, doctoral students, teachers, researchers and administrators work closely together in a creative and open environment. More information about the department can be found at www.ilk.uu.se.

The Translational PET Imaging research group is looking for a strongly motivated PhD student in diabetes research and PET imaging, to work in a leading research environment with scientists of diverse and international background. 

Diabetes is one of the world's major health problems. Its consequences have a considerable impact on patients' quality of life and more research on diabetes is desperately needed. Consequently, the Uppsala Diabetes Center, an interdisciplinary diabetes research centre at Uppsala University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, was founded to coordinate and focus on the universities' broad expertise with the aim of understanding, preventing and treating diabetes. We want to inspire cooperation and collaboration between all relevant actors in academia, healthcare, business and society. For better health and improved wellbeing with diabetes - https://uu.se/forskning/udc/.

The Translational PET Imaging research group is committed to improving healthcare through development of novel molecular imaging techniques for diagnosis and treatment of disease. The research group is associated with Science for Life Laboratory and part of the Department of Medicinal Chemistry. The Translational PET Imaging research group currently consists of 10 scientists, including radiochemists, biologists and engineers.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

Project description
The incretin receptors, GLP1R and GIPR, as well as the Glucagon receptor, are important targets for future pharmaceutical treatments of diabetes. The aim of the project is use novel PET imaging technologies to study the incretin receptors, and new drugs binding to these, in tissues in vivo. The applicant will collaborate with a team of biologists, engineers and physicians. Interest for in vivo studies is a requirement. The project will be performed as part of the Uppsala Diabetes Center research school.

Duties
The main duties of the doctoral student is to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties such as routine maintenance of the lab (no more than 20%).

Requirements

• We are looking for a highly motivated junior scientist for a PhD position. We welcome applications from candidates that already have, or who expect to soon have, a Master of Science degree in chemistry, pharmacy, biomedicine, engineering, natural sciences, medicine or similar.
• Self-motivation and good time management and planning skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English
• Good presentation and communication skills.
• Experience in laboratory work is an advantage.

Additional qualifications
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if he/ she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
• skills in English, equivalent of the Swedish upper secondary course English 6, documented by e.g. upper secondary level grades, IELTS or TOEFL (https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements).

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

Instructions for Application
Applications should be written in Swedish or English and contain the following:  

1. Cover letter, including motivation to attend the PhD program (max. 1 page)
2. CV
3. Copy of Master’s thesis (or a draft thereof), copies of diplomas, certificates (including a list of courses and grades), documentation of skills in English, and other relevant documentation
4. Contact information (e-mail and telephone number) to reference persons or letter(s) of recommendation, if available.

Selection process
Selection of candidates is based on qualifications, previous work and/or research experience within the field, and personal suitability. Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date at the latest 1 March 2022. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Associate Senior Lecturer Olof Eriksson (olof.eriksson@ilk.uu.se) and Head of dept, professor Anders Karlén (anders.karlen@ilk.uu.se).

Please submit your application by 28 January 2022, UFV-PA 2021/4957.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.  

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Medicinal Chemistry

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position longer than 6 months

Pay: Fixed salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100 %

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: ST/TCO tco@fackorg.uu.se
Seko Universitetsklubben seko@uadm.uu.se
Saco-rådet saco@uadm.uu.se

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2021/4957

Last application date: 2022-01-28

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2 PhD Students in collaboration between Department of Business Studies and Department of Law

 

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of around SEK 7 billion.

The Faculties of Social Sciences and of Law at Uppsala University jointly invite applications for two doctoral student positions. The doctoral students will be employed by the Department of Business Studies and attach to its commercial law team. The doctoral students will nonetheless be enrolled in the doctoral programme of the Faculty of Law and studies will aim at a doctoral degree in law. The doctoral students will be engaged in the research environments of both the Department of Business Studies and the Department of Law and will have supervisors from both departments.

The commercial law group is situated in the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Department of Business Studies, and this has consequences for the theoretical and methodological directions of its teaching and research. Traditionally, commercial law is concerned with the rules and norms that govern economic activities nationally and internationally. The commercial law group at Uppsala University, however, takes a broader law and business perspective which includes studies of the public domain. Studies in law and business are often trans-/cross- or multidisciplinary in character, connecting to social science disciplines such as business and sociology. Using this law and business perspective as a point of departure, the accepted doctoral students will pursue their research studies in one of the 15 research topics offered by the Faculty of Law (Jurisprudence, Private Law, European Law, Fiscal Law, Public International Law, Business Law, Administrative Law, Private International Law, Constitutional Law, Medical Law, Environmental Law, Public Law, Civil and Criminal Procedural Law, Legal History and Criminal Law).

Duties
An employed doctoral student must primarily devote his or her time to his or her own doctoral research (4-years full-time). Other duties may be included, such as teaching students, working in teaching teams, and administration (no more than 20% of the position) in which case the position may be extended to maximum 5 years. Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7, in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines and in the general study plan for doctoral studies at the Faculty of Law, Uppsala University.

The overall purpose of the doctoral studies is to provide future newly qualified doctors of laws with good prospects for a successful career within or outside of higher education. This includes in-depth knowledge of the chosen subject in the field of research, a capacity for independent and critical thinking, proficiency in scientific methods and modes of working, an ability to identify interesting and researchable issues, teaching skills and the ability to express himself or herself well both orally and in writing, an ability to operate in an international context and an ability to understand and deal with ethical issues concerning research.

Requirements
In order to be admitted to doctoral studies, the applicant is required to meet the following qualifications. To qualify as applicant with the Faculty of Law, the applicant must either

1. in Sweden, have completed a Master of Laws degree or completed a law programme, or
2. in Sweden or abroad, have acquired knowledge equivalent to the degrees mentioned in 1). In evaluating whether the knowledge is sufficient, consideration must be given to what is required to successfully benefit from the doctoral programme in the specific subject

Applicants must have an adequate knowledge of Swedish or English.

Criteria for assessment of applications
Admission is based on an evaluation of the applicant’s capacity to successfully complete the doctoral studies. The evaluation is primarily focused on the project description as well as the scientific written material (published or not published). Written scientific materials which is not in law will also be meritorious to the extent that it is relevant to the project. Analytical ability, ability to structure the material and to independently work on the proposed project, and the project’s news value, is paramount. In addition to the written material, other merits, such as grades, diplomas, completed courses etc., may also be of importance in the assessment. Further, the applicant’s capacity to cooperate in different ways, e.g. with teaching colleagues, may be taken into consideration as well as the Faculty’s needs to recruit doctoral candidates in all subject areas.

The application must include:

• Grade transcripts (required document) and other relevant certificates in Swedish or English
• CV in Swedish or English (required document)
• Project description with time plan in Swedish or English (required document). The project description should include the research question(s) of the proposed research, the relationship between the research topic and the relevant area of research, research already undertaken in this field, a reflection upon material and method, a time plan, and the possible scientific value and contribution of the proposed project. The project description should include considerations on the trans-/cross- or multidisciplinary character of the project, i.e. a statement on why, and how, social science perspectives and law perspectives (such as theories and/or methods) will be combined in a coherent scientific project. The project description must comprise no more than 35,000 characters including spaces (approximately ten A4-pages).
• Popular summary in Swedish or English (required document).The project summary must include a brief popular summary in Swedish or English, no longer than 2,000 characters including spaces.
• Written scientific work (electronic copy of books, articles, undergraduate essays, manuscripts, etc.)
• Letter of recommendation and/or references (e.g. a potential supervisor, university teacher or employer)
• Application form for admission to doctoral studies. Please click here.

Decisions on admissions to the doctoral programme are made by the Research Committee at the Faculty of Law upon preparation by an evaluation committee specifically set up for this purpose. As part of the admission procedure, references may be taken and interviews may be held with a limited number of applicants.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100%. Salary according to local agreement for PhD students. Starting date 2022-09-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position please contact: Associate professor Magnus Strand, email: magnus.strand@fek.uu.se, phone: +46 18 471 12 42.

For further information about the doctoral programme please contact: Director of Research Studies Martin Berglund, email: research@jur.uu.se, phone: +46 18 471 20 62.

Please submit your application, including required documents, no later than 1 March 2022, UFV-PA 2021/5011.

Only complete applications will be taken into consideration. Applications must be submitted as described in this advertisement.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.  

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Business Studies

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position longer than 6 months

Pay: Fixed salary

Number of positions: 2

Working hours: 100%

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: ST/TCO tco@fackorg.uu.se
Seko Universitetsklubben seko@uadm.uu.se
Saco-rådet saco@uadm.uu.se

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2021/5011

Last application date: 2022-03-01

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PhD position in Electrical Engineering with specialization in Signal Processing

 

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of around SEK 7 billion.

The position will be at the division of Signals and Systems, at the Department of Electrical Engineering.

Electrification and digitalisation are among the largest areas for the future in the conversion to sustainable societies. The Department of Electrical Engineering conducts successful research and education in the areas - renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, industrial IoT, 5G communication and wireless sensor networks as well as smart electronic sensors and medical systems. The Department of Electrical Engineering is an international workplace with around 130 employees that all contribute to important technical energy and health challenges at the Ångström Laboratory.

Project description: Recent technological advances such as internet of things, 5G communications, and edge computing together with artificial intelligence are becoming the backbone for advanced digitalization in a wide variety of applications. Cybersecurity is a crucial aspect of such systems and it must be ensured that the data remain safe at all times. Federated learning has recently proven as the go-to tool for mitigating certain cybersecurity and privacy risks associated with machine learning based on data from distributed agents (e.g., IoT devices or mobile phones). However, there remain several security issues (e.g., reverse engineering from derived data). Furthermore, current federated learning methods typically require large amounts of data and are most suitable for static inference tasks. Hence, the aim of this project is to develop secure-by-design distributed sequential Bayesian inference methods leveraging homomorphic encryption and differential privacy.

We have an exciting work environment designed by the doctoral student and the research team together. The doctoral student will be supervised by at least two supervisors.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

Duties

• Focus will be on the development of secure distributed Bayesian machine learning methods for open cloud and edge computing services.
• The work duties also include teaching and other departmental duties. No more than 20%.

Requirements

• The applicant must hold a master degree in Engineering Physics or equivalent.
• A strong background in applied mathematics with focus on stochastic processes, time series analysis, and statistical inference methods.
• Basic knowledge in signals and systems, signal processing and control theory.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• We will put emphasis on your personal qualities such as good collaborations and communication skills with other researchers. You should be purposeful, structured and be able to work effectively both individually and in groups.

Additional qualifications: Basic knowledge in cryptography is desirable but not required.  

Application
Please use the link below. You should include a brief description of your research interests and relevant experience, a CV, copies of diplomas and certificates, thesis (or a draft thereof) and other relevant documents. You are encouraged to provide contact information to reference.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Roland Hostettler, e-mail: roland.hostettler@angstrom.uu.se, phone.: 018 -471 3265 eller professor Anders Ahlén, e-mail: anders.ahlen@angstrom.uu.se, phone.: 018-471 3076.

Please submit your application by 31 January 2022, UFV-PA 2021/5080.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.  

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Electrical Engineering

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position longer than 6 months

Pay: Fixed salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100 %

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: ST/TCO tco@fackorg.uu.se
Seko Universitetsklubben seko@uadm.uu.se
Saco-rådet saco@uadm.uu.se

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2021/5080

Last application date: 2022-01-31

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PhD student in The Department of Organismal Biology

 

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of around SEK 7 billion.

Multidisciplinary project in marine microbiology with emphasis on symbiosis

The Department of Organismal Biology teaches and explores the evolution, development and function on the organismal level. For more information see www.iob.uu.se.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

Project description: The position is associated with an ongoing project on characterising an enigmatic marine endosymbiosis in the micro-eukaryote genus Meringosphaera. These are single-celled eukaryotes that are globally distributed and are considered photosynthetic based on consistent observations of autofluorescent ‘green bodies’ and absence of feeding behaviours. Interestingly, we recently showed that Meringosphaera belongs to the group of heterotrophic protists centrohelids. The overarching goals of this four-year PhD project are to identify the closest free-living relatives to the endosymbionts, and to characterize the levels of cellular, genetic, and metabolic integration of the endosymbionts to pinpoint the nature of this endosymbiosis. A suite of single cell methods will be employed, including single-cell genomics and metagenomics, as well as confocal scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and focused ion beam-secondary electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). The position is based in the laboratory of Fabien Burki at IOB at Uppsala University, but includes a strong collaborative component with the laboratory of Rachel Foster at Stockholm University.

Duties: The position involves sampling, cell isolation, imaging with advanced microscopy, and attempts for cultivation of Meringosphaera cells in enrichment cultures. Additionally, managing the sample preparations for single cell genomics, and a strong bioinformatic component, will be required. Training will be provided when necessary.

Requirements: Completed university education of 240 university points (högskolepoäng, hp) out of which 60 hp on advanced level corresponding to master degree in relevant field to the project. The selected candidate must possess expertise and knowledge in microbial sampling as well as identifying and handling small eukaryotic plankton. Experience in culturing of microbial eukaryotes, background in eukaryotic diversity and photosymbiosis will be seen as highly valuable. A suite of methodologies will be used as described in the project description and are desirable attributes of the candidate. In particular, proven expertise in bioinformatics (e.g. phylogeny, genomics) and use of a scripting language (Python, R) are essential. Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities such as planning and organizational skills, high-motivation, problem solving and good collaborations and communication skills with other researchers. The applicant must have documented experience and proficiency in oral and written presentation in English.

Additional qualifications: In filling this position, the university aims to recruit the person who, in the combined evaluation of competence, skills and documented qualifications, is judged most suitable to carry out and develop the work-in-hand and to contribute to a positive development of the department.

Position: The PhD-student position is a 4-year appointment, and the candidate will primarily devote the time to his/her own research studies. Other departmental work, such as teaching or administration can be part of the position (maximum 20 %). Salary placement is in accordance with local guidelines at Uppsala University. The applicant must be eligible for PhD studies at Uppsala University.

Information about research education can be found at the web site of the Faculty of Science and Technology, http://www.teknat.uu.se/Doktorand/.

Application: The application should include 1) a letter of intent describing yourself, your research

interests and motivation of why you want to do a PhD, 2) a short description of your education, 3) a CV, 4) a copy of your master degree and course grades, 5) the names and contact information (address, email address, and phone number) of at least two reference persons, 6) relevant publications (including master thesis). The application should be written in English.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/?languageId=1.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2022-04-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Dr. Fabien Burki; fabien.burki@ebc.uu.se.

Please submit your application by February 14th 2022, UFV-PA 2022/61.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Organismal Biology

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position longer than 6 months

Pay: Fixed salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100 %

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: ST/TCO tco@fackorg.uu.se
Seko Universitetsklubben seko@uadm.uu.se
Saco-rådet saco@uadm.uu.se

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2022/61

Last application date: 2022-02-14

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