Research Assistant in Environmental Toxicology / Cell

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 53 500 students and 6 500 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

At the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) we have teaching and research activities that stretch from the alpine ecosystem, through forests, cultivated land and streams, all the way into the marine environment. In these environments we study different levels of biological organisation from genes, individuals and populations, to communities and ecosystems. We work within ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics and combinations of these fields in order to understand the impact of natural and anthropogenic changes of the environment.

The department is placed at three different localities: in Gothenburg Botanical garden, at Medicinarberget in Gothenburg and Kristineberg Marine Research Station. The current position is placed at Medicinaregatan 18A, Göteborg.

Project description

The project is situated in the field of Environmental Toxicology and aims at developing and evaluating the performance of a novel in vitro model, based on 3D cell cultures from a continuous fish liver cell line, to study hepatic metabolism/clearance and toxicity of environmental pollutants in fish liver. The objective of the advertised project is to complement previously obtained data on the properties of the 3D cell cultures, such as expression levels of liver characteristic genes and proteins.

Job assignments

The successful candidate will aid with routine technical tasks in the laboratory, but also be responsible for conducting experimental work on 3D cell cultures produced from fish liver cells, which will include the following assignments/methods:

• maintenance of fish cell cultures (fish liver cell line and primary hepatocytes) and related tasks (preparation and autoclavation of solutions and materials etc.)
• production and maintenance of 3D cell cultures (spheroids)
• exposure of 3D cell cultures to chemical compounds and nanomaterials
• analysis of cell/spheroid viability using plate reader-adopted luminescence assays
• measurement of expression/catalytic activity levels of cellular detoxification enzymes (CYP1A)
• RNA isolation from cultured cells/spheroids, cDNA synthesis, gene expression analysis of liver characteristic genes using qPCR (including efficiency tests)
• establishment of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure expression levels of selected proteins in spheroids
• Data analysis, including statistical comparisons

The employment

This is a fixed-term employment for 6 months, 50%, alternatively 12 months, 25 %, starting as soon as possible or upon agreement.

Eligibility

Eligible to be employed as an assistant researcher is a person with a university degree on a basic or advanced level in Biology or related discipline (e.g., Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Ecotoxicology, Toxicology, Environmental Sciences, Marine sciences).

Assessments

We are seeking a motivated and reliable person with a Masters’ degree in a discipline related to the project topic (e.g., biology, biotechnology, molecular biology, ecotoxicology, toxicology, environmental sciences, marine sciences). In addition, the candidate should have good factual knowledge and conceptional understanding of cell biological processes as well as cellular toxicology. Furthermore, the applicant should have demonstrated ability to independently perform experiments cell culture-based in vitro methods (for example, through a degree or previous work experience). Previous hands-on experience with 3D cell culture models (spheroids) is strongly desirable.

Excellent communication skills, written and spoken, in English are necessary since we work in an international environment.

Other skills, which will be considered advantageous, include documented practical experience in one or several of the following molecular biology/biochemical methods: RNA isolation using column-based extraction kits, gene expression analysis using RT-qPCR (including assay optimization with regard to amplification efficiency), colorimetric, fluorometric or luminometric cell viability assays (in particular, CellTiter-Glo® 3D assay), enzyme activity assays (in particular, analysis of CYP1A-dependent EROD activity), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Specific knowledge on methods related to the culture of fish liver cells/cell lines is not necessary, but beneficial.

The application should preferably be written in English and must include:

• A short cover letter with the applicant’s justification for the application, i.e., that describes how the applicant meets the selection criteria
• A list of qualifications (CV)
• Copy of certificate of exam

The top ranked candidates will be selected for an interview, which might be held in English and most likely be performed by phone/Zoom.

How to apply

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. 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 application must be received no later than: 2021-10-11

For further information please contact

Tobias Lammel, PhD (forskare)
e-post:  [email protected]

Henrik Aronsson, professor och prefekt
tel. +46 31 786 48 02
e-post: [email protected]

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

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The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Salary is determined on an individual basis.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.