Postdoctoral position in single-cell RNA sequencing of infecting bacteria

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.

The Department of Molecular seeks a postdoctoral researcher who will work on developing and applying single bacterium genomics/transcriptomics technology to explore bacterial response and adaptation. The project is multidisciplinary and involves state-0f-the-art microfluidics, molecular barcoding, data analytics and microbiology techniques. The research will be conducted in close collaboration between Linas Mazutis and Kemal Avican laboratories. The employment is full-time for two years with access 1st July 2024 or by agreement.

Single bacterial genomics and transcriptomics holds a great promise of improving our understanding of the microbiology world, discovering new enzymatic activities, or identifying the antibiotic resistance amongst others. Bacterial populations exhibit significant heterogeneity, allowing distinct cell subgroups to thrive in diverse environments. This environmentally induced heterogeneity prompts bacteria to respond through unique transcriptional programs, posing substantial experimental challenges in assaying individual cells accurately. Recent advancements in single-cell techniques, particularly single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), offer a powerful means to unravel cellular heterogeneity during infections and discern subpopulation variations that influence individual cell outcomes. However, current bacterial scRNA-seq methods suffer from the low number of cells being sequenced and the low number of transcripts detected in each cell. Therefore, our primary objective is two fold: i) to develop a novel high-throughput RNA sequencing technology tailored for single bacterial cells, and ii) to apply it on a model system (Yersinia sp.) in order to better understand the gene expression dynamics that drive cell response, adaptation and evolution.

The postdoctoral fellow is expected to engage actively in research, participate in the design and execution of experiments, data analysis development. Lead the establishment of new methods in the lab, as well as to present and publish results to broader audiences. The candidate is also expected to participate in research-related activities within the research group such as seminars, group meetings, journal clubs, national and/or international conferences, etc.

To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision.

To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organisations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area. Postdoctoral fellows who are to teach or supervise must have taken relevant courses in teaching and learning in higher education.”

The candidate must have a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree, in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or Microbiology. The ideal candidate should be tech-savvy, proficient in standard molecular biology, biochemistry, and handling cultures of various microbial species. Prior experience in droplet microfluidics systems is not requires but could be useful. A training in microscopy and flow cytometry is beneficial. The post-doctoral candidate should have at least some prior experience in transcriptomic or genomic library preparation and sequencing. Bioinformatic knowledge and experience in programming languages such as Python, Perl, or R is desirable.

We seek individuals who are highly motivated and demonstrate a strong commitment to research excellence. Efficient communication skills for interaction with senior colleagues and peers, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

A full application should include:

- Cover letter in which you mention how your previous research experience fits with the advertised post doc project.

- Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list,

- Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,

- Verified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades,

- Copy of doctoral thesis and up to 6 relevant articles,

- Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim.

- Contact information to two persons willing to act as references.

The application must be written in English or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page. The closing date is 12 June 2024. Further details are provided by Kemal Avican, [email protected]

For more information of The Department of Molecular biology please visit our website Department of Molecular Biology (umu.se)

We look forward to receiving your application!