瑞典生命科学实验室博士后职位

　　瑞典生命科学实验室博士后职位

　　Institutions

　　The interdisciplinary post doctorate position is shared between the groups  of professor Love Dalen, affiliated with the Swedish Museum of Natural History  and the Centre for Palaeogenetics (www.palaeogenetics.com/LD) and associate  professor Marc Friedlander, affiliated with Stockholm University and SciLifeLab  (www.friedlanderlab.org).

　　Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab) is a collaboration between four  universities in Stockholm and Uppsala: Stockholm University, the Karolinska  Institute, the Royal Institute of Technology, and Uppsala University. The  SciLifeLab is a national center for large-scale biosciences with a focus on  high-throughput health and environmental research. The center combines advanced  technical know-how and cutting-edge equipment with a broad knowledge in  molecular biosciences.

　　The Centre for Palaeogenetics (CPG) is a joint venture between Stockholm  University and the Swedish Museum of Natural History. The overall objective of  the centre is to bring researchers from different disciplines, such as biology,  archaeology and geology, together into a state-of-the-art research environment  dedicated to ancient DNA analyses.

　　Research project

　　The project will focus on the discovery and characterization of RNA  complements of ancient tissue samples of extinct animal species such as the  woolly mammoth, with emphasis on regulatory microRNA molecules. The post  doctorate position is funded by a SciLifeLab-SU grant (SU FV-5.1.2-0523-19).

　　Paleogenetics, the study of ancient DNA sequences, have yielded many  important insights into the evolutionary history of extinct animals as well as  the ancestors of present-day humans. It is now becoming clear that also RNA  molecules can be preserved in ancient samples, under favoring conditions.  Fragments of messenger RNAs can inform about transcriptional activity, and  microRNAs – small transcripts with important gene regulatory functions – can  inform about gene regulation that occurred in ancient samples. Intriguingly,  microRNAs can in many cases only be annotated through the direct sequencing of  the molecules, raising the possibility that microRNAs specific to extinct  species may yet remain undiscovered.

　　The successful applicant will spearhead and coordinate this  paleotranscriptomic project. Specific tasks will depend on the expertise of the  applicant (wet-lab or dry-lab) but can include: field work, RNA extraction and  sequencing, computational quality control and characterization of detected  sequences, homology analyses, microRNA target prediction and wider  interpretation of findings. The post doc will interact with experimental and  computational researchers from the group, and will participate in limited  co-supervision of PhD students.

　　The research group of Love Dalen focuses on paleogenetics, with particular  emphasis on the use of DNA technology to investigate the ecology and evolution  of different species, and how past environmental changes have determined the  distribution and abundance of organisms. At present, the work is aimed at  investigating how genetic variation, population structure and population size  have changed over time, especially in the context of changes in climate during  the Late Pleistocene (i.e. the last ice age). The group is currently working on  several projects on different wild animals, for example lemmings, mammoths,  rhinos and cave lions.

　　The group of Marc Friedlander focuses on profiling of RNAs from minute  sample material (including mammalian single cells) and on discovering,  annotating and functionally characterizing microRNAs in animal species. The  group has developed miRDeep, the most widely used software for microRNA  discovery, and is hosting MirGeneDB, the curated microRNA database.

　　Eligibility

　　Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research.  Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent  degree from another country.

　　Selection criteria

　　In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research  skills. We are looking for candidates with wet-lab and/or dry-lab skills in the  fields of evolutionary biology, RNA biology or computational sequence analysis.  Specific experience with paleogenetics or microRNA annotation constitutes an  advantage, but is not necessary. The candidate must be highly motivated,  creatively thinking and have a record of high-quality scientific publications.  Fluency or near-fluency in English, both written and spoken, are a requisite. In  summary, selection will focus on scientific excellence, with equal priority  given to applicants from a wet-lab, dry-lab or ‘hybrid’ background.

　　Terms of Employment

　　This is a full-time position available immediately. The starting date is  negotiable. The position is initially funded for two years, with a possibility  of extension.The position constitutes full employment  including all social benefits. Stockholm University strives to be a workplace  free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

　　Contact

　　Further information can be provided by Love Dalen, email: love.dalen@nrm.se  or Marc Friedlander, email: marc.friedlander@scilifelab.se

　　Application

　　Applications should be submitted until the 31st of January using the  Stockholm University web-based application system by clicking the “Apply” button  at the bottom of this page:  https://www.su.se/english/about/working-at-su/jobs?rmpage=job&rmjob=11001&rmlang=UK

　　The instructions for applicants are available at:  https://www.su.se/english/about/working-at-su/instructions-applicants

　　You are welcome to apply!

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