PhD-student

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Job Description
The project involves, among other things, identifying, validating, and characterizing host proteins and mechanisms involved in flavivirus replication, infection, and pathogenesis, which could ultimately lead to new treatments for flavivirus infections.

Examples of techniques you will use include: virus cultivation, infection of cells, cloning; cultivation of eukaryotic, transformed cell lines as well as primary cells; fluorescence microscopy, super-resolution microscopy, expansion microscopy, flow cytometry, FACS, and qPCR for quantifying infection; as well as statistical analysis. You are also likely to use CRISPR/Cas9 technology, CLIP assay, co-immunoprecipitation, and other biochemical methods. The project involves close collaboration with other researchers in the group, as well as cooperation with leading scientists in virology, structural biology, and biochemistry. This project is part of a larger research consortium based at Umeå University and Karolinska Institutet.

The PhD position offers you the opportunity to develop into an independent researcher who plans and performs experiments, interprets results, and places them in a scientific context.

You will present and discuss your research with other scientists both within and outside the group.
You will be actively involved in the compilation and publication of research results.
You will also supervise Swedish and international students at the Bachelor's and Master's levels and participate in other teaching activities at the department.
You are expected to act in accordance with the university’s policies on equal opportunities and data protection.

Other Qualifications
You must have at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 credits are at the advanced (Master’s) level, in natural or medical sciences. Applicants must have strong oral and written communication skills in English, be capable of working independently as well as collaboratively, and be highly motivated. A strong interest in virology and a willingness to tackle scientific and methodological challenges are essential. Previous practical experience with immunofluorescence, mammalian cell culture, flaviviruses, and qPCR is considered an asset, as is prior research experience

A complete application must include:

1. A cover letter summarizing your qualifications, scientific interests and motives for applying (max two pages)

2. CV

3. Diplomas of bachelor and Master level degrees

4. Bachelor/Master theses work/other relevant publications

5. Other merits of relevance for the position

6. Contact information to two reference persons