Postdoctoral fellow in environmental RNA biology (eRNA)

The Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute (MBW) conducts experimental basic research in molecular cell biology, integrative biology and infection and immune biology. The research environment is characterized by a modern and advanced methodology and has a strong international profile. The institute has 30 research groups with a research staff of 200, of which 60 are PhD students. More information about us, please visit: www.su.se/mbw.

The Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab) is a national center for large-scale biosciences with a focus on health and environmental research. The center combines advanced technical know-how and state-of-the-art equipment with a broad knowledge in molecular biosciences.

Project description

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral scientist to join the Friedländer team which is part of the MBW department and has research activities at SciLifeLab. Our team has recently found RNA molecules to be present in fragmented form in various environmental samples ranging from extinct and ancient animals to consumer food products. These fragments can be detected and analyzed using our specialized wet and dry-lab methods.

The objective of this project is to evolve and adapt these wet-lab methods and apply them to environmental samples to gain new biological insights. The focus will be on food products - for the purpose of ensuring food safety and detecting fraud - but other sample types will also be studied, and the successful applicant will contribute to shaping the research direction. The applicant will work closely with wet and dry-lab researchers from our team in our interdisciplinary environment.

The project is funded by the ERC Proof of Concept grant “foodRNA”.

Main responsibilities

The successful applicant will establish, test and evolve wet-lab methods to profile RNA fragments from environmental samples. The methods will cover both next-generation sequencing-based methods but also targeted approaches such as qPCR and rolling circle amplification. The applicant will also apply and adapt these methods to various environmental samples and conditions, with special focus on consumer food products.

Importantly, the successful applicant will be involved in the commercialization of the methods, as we are on the path to founding a company. Tasks will therefore include interacting with collaborators from industry and public agencies.

Qualification requirements

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.

Assessment criteria

The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills. We are looking for candidates with wet-lab expertise in RNA biology and next-generation sequencing methods. Specific experience with food science, environmental science, forensics or research commercialization are desirable but not necessary. The candidate must be highly motivated, creatively thinking and have a record of high-quality scientific publications. Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken, are a requisite.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date as soon as possible or as per agreement.

We offer

We offer a dynamic and international research environment, where interdisciplinary researchers work together closely to push the boundaries of RNA biology. Our team has expertise in wet-lab methods development - as evidenced by recent publications in e.g. Nature Biotechnology - and also provides a stimulating environment for learning computational biology. The successful applicant will in furthermore receive training related to research commercialization from the SU research support office and from SU holding (the SU research incubator).

Our team webpage: www.friedlanderlab.org.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Associate professor Marc Friedländer, phone: 0737-121558, marc.friedlander@scilifelab.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.