Researcher - Cell Assay Development (Sequencing) for OligoNova Hub

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 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.

OligoNova Hub is a national research infrastructure that provides academic researchers in Sweden with support and capabilities to transform ideas and discoveries into new oligonucleotide therapies. The Hub is located within the vibrant biotech cluster at the AstraZeneca BioVentureHub in Mölndal. OligoNova Hub is organized within the Core Facilities at the University of Gothenburg (www.cf.gu.se ), and is also part of the Science for Life Laboratory Drug Discovery and Development platform (https://www.scilifelab.se/units/ddd-platform/ ), a national resource comprising 50+ scientists with complementary expertise in drug discovery.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop state-of-the-art cell-based assays, and use these assays in screening, analysis of cellular uptake and trafficking, and mechanism-of-action studies for therapeutic oligonucleotides to support our discovery projects.

As researcher in the cell biology team at OligoNova Hub, you are responsible for the evaluation of the pharmacological and toxicological effects of therapeutic oligonucleotides that are developed at OligoNova Hub. In your role, you develop and use different cell-based models (cell lines and primary cells, cultured in 2D as well as 3D formats) and study the effects of therapeutic oligonucleotides using various state-of-the-art methods, such as qPCR, RNA sequencing, advanced microscopy, HTS profiling in fluorometric assays, and mass spectrometry. You also contribute to project management and communication with internal and external partners.

Essential qualifications:

• Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific field of biology, biotechnology, biophysics, engineering or similar.
• Experience working with a wide range of cell types, including both primary cells and cell lines is a must.
• Previous working experience in a range of cell biology techniques including transfection methods/gene expression manipulations (e.g., siRNAi or ASOs), qPCR and Western-blotting is a must.
• Hands-on experience with cell-based functional assays is a must.

Highly desirable for this role:

• Hands-on lab-based experience with RNA extraction from cells, library preparation and a broad range of transcriptomics technologies that can include RNA-seq and single-cell sequencing are considered strong merits.
• Hands-on expertise of developing processes and applying high-throughput automation/robotics to cell culture and molecular biology methodologies is a strong merit.
• Experience analyzing large data sets and in particular RNAseq data is a merit.
• Previous experience with flow cytometry/sorting, advanced microscopy, image analysis or coding/programming knowledge is beneficial.
• Experience with integrating automation processes on different instruments with each other and multiplexing towards 3+ transcripts quantification are attractive skills.
• Experience with cells grown in 3D cultures and organoids is meriting.
• Solid knowledge in the area of oligonucleotides, including mechanisms driving cellular uptake and activity, and pharmacological, toxicological and pharmacokinetic mechanisms relevant for therapeutic oligonucleotides is meriting.

Great emphasis is placed on personal suitability, good communication and interpersonal skills. You should be able to work independently as well as part of a team. You should be self-motivated and service-minded and have a positive, result-oriented and problem-solving attitude. You should have excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

The position is a full-time, permanent position (100%), placed at OligoNova Hub within the Core Units at the University of Gothenburg. A probationary employment period of 6 months may be applied. Start date as soon as possible based on agreement.

Applicants will be evaluated based on submitted documents, interviews, and references. Particular emphasis will be placed on documented strengths in the development and application of automated cell-based assays for therapeutic oligonucleotides, in particular workflows related to qPCR and RNA sequencing.

For questions regarding the position, you are welcome to contact Mario Ruiz, Team Leader Oligonucleotide Cell Assay Development, OligoNova Hub, [email protected] ; Pär Matsson, Scientific Director, OligoNova Hub, [email protected] ; or Elisabet Carlsohn, Head of Core Facilities Sahlgrenska Academy, [email protected] .

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande  

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To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. 

Apply by submitting an electronic application (can be submitted in English). The application shall include:

- A personal letter with an explanation of why you apply to the position (max 1-2 pages).

- Your complete CV including list of publications and patents.

- Three referees (name, telephone no, relation).

- Copy of exam certificate.

Applications must be received by: 2022-06-13

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

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.