Project Assistant position at the Department of Molecular Biology

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.

Title of the Project: Characterization of structures of the drug targets and chemical modifications of the anticancer drugs for targeted treatment of metastatic cancers.

Group Leader: Jenny Persson, Professor of Basal Tumor Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Sweden.

Cancer metastasis and treatment resistance remain major clinical challenges. The molecular mechanisms that drive cancer metastasis to vital organs and allow metastatic cancer to quickly acquire treatment resistance to current therapies are poorly understood. The research project is to study the protein structures of the key drug targets that might be responsible for cancer metastasis to distant organs and to explore targeted treatment strategies to overcome treatment resistance.

This is a pilot study (12 months) with the aim of investigating the potential of the project to be appropriate for a grant application, PhD- or post-doc project.

1. To examine alterations of cancer specific protein structures, including lipid kinases PIP5K1α and KRAS which are associated survival and metastatic signaling pathways. 

2. Apply Cryo-EM biochemical and biophysical technologies in cancer-immunology and translational cancer research approaches to study novel therapeutic agents in inhibiting cancer metastasis. 

3. Apply transmission electronic microscopy, flow cytometry of cell sorting and single cell-based RNA-seq, immunofluorescence analysis, molecular biology analyzes, cell culture model and mouse models in the projects. 

The selected candidate will under supervision of the group leader and the leading experts in Cryo-EM and structure biology at Umeå University, also the collaborators at Stanford University. The researcher will use the advanced methods in biochemistry, biophysics, cancer biology and immunology including CryoEM, Immunoblotting, flow cytometry analysis of cell sorting, immunofluorescence analysis, molecular chemistry analyzes and cell culture model. The selected candidate will also learn the tools for documentation and present the findings.

The candidate for this position must hold a university degree equivalent to a European Master's degree (240 credits) of Technologies and Material Sciences at the time of recruitment. The candidate should hold a Master degree (240 ECTS) in Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bio-physics (or equivalent fields) and has completed thesis degree project in translational cancer research and protein structure biology. 

• Need to be fluent in spoken and written English.
• Should be highly motivated and able to work productively in a team.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting effectively with senior colleagues and peers are required.

You apply through our recruitment system. Your application must contain the following documents written in English or Swedish:

• A CV with information on education, a list of previous and current employments, and a list of publications.

• Copies of the diplomas of degrees at different levels of the educations, showing the educations background, a list of previous and current employments, and a list of publications.

• A cover letter describing your research experience and interests and motivation for applying for the position.

• Contact details of one to three references.

The Jenny Persson lab is specialized in Cancer Research at the Department of Molecular Biology. You can find more information about us at https://www.umu.se/en/staff/jenny-persson/ 

For questions regarding the position contact Jenny Persson, Professor of Basal Tumor Biology, [email protected]