Senior research engineer in molecular biology

Do you want to contribute to top-quality science and innovation within the life sciences? Do you also have a PhD in molecular biology or a related area and are service-oriented and communicative? The CBCS node at Umeå University now offers a chance to be part of and develop a national infrastructure in the field. Welcome to apply before 2023-02-28.

Description
Chemical Biology Consortium Sweden (www.cbcs.se ) runs chemical biology projects in all life sciences areas. CBCS offers collaborative service and guidance to the research community in developing biological test systems (assays), screening thousands of small molecules through these assays, and follow-up and further development of the most promising biologically active small molecules. Since its inception in 2010, the infrastructure has been involved in hundreds of publications, many patents, and new companies in the field. As part of this work, the CBCS node at Umeå University is now looking for a versatile molecular biologist.

Work tasks
The activities will mainly consist of independently establishing and performing assay development of primary assays to a screening format to enable screening for bioactive small-molecules. You will also independently evaluate and compare different assay formats and establish and perform cell-based high-content and biochemical screens with thousands of small molecules in 96- or 384-well format. Working in a BSL-2 environment with cells and complex disease models will be done regularly and analyzing large datasets to produce high-quality data. Being responsible for managing projects in close collaboration with researchers from diverse backgrounds is an essential part of the work. You will also actively contribute to the further development of CBCS. Finally, you will operate in an international team in a vibrant research environment, closely collaborating with researchers from diverse backgrounds and with frequent interactions with infrastructure users.

Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate with a PhD in molecular biology or a relevant area. Validated experience in analysis development of cell-based and biochemical analyses is a requirement, preferably in 96 and 384 well formats. Extensive and recent laboratory experience is also a requirement, including cell culture, molecular biology techniques such as immunofluorescence staining, cell-based analysis development, and optimization of lab protocols. General computer skills and excellent written and spoken English communication skills are essential, as are excellent documentation skills. 

Experience in flow cytometry is a merit, as well as experience in target identification and validation. Knowledge of microscopy techniques such as fluorescence and, above all, high content is desirable. Biochemical and cell-based analysis development and experience in screening small molecules from the pharmaceutical industry or academic screening centres is considered a substantial merit. Experience in laboratory automation and troubleshooting screening equipment, including robotic liquid handlers and plate readers, will also be regarded as valuable. 

To both thrive and succeed in the role, you enjoy working independently and in a group in a structured and efficient way with several projects in parallel. You have a strong passion for daily experimental work and an aptitude for analyzing, managing, interpreting and reporting high-quality data. Furthermore, you should have an interest in learning new methods and instrumentation. It is crucial that you, as a person, are attracted to being part of a large infrastructure and are service-oriented. The successful candidate must have a staff-scientist mindset, be service-oriented and dedicated to high-quality and reproducible data production, have 

Particular emphasis will be placed on personal qualities. excellent collaborative skills, be flexible, and be able to work independently in a structured and efficient way.

About us
CBCS has been active since 2010 with two nodes, one at Umeå University and one at Karolinska Institute, and has been financed by SciLifeLab (www.scilifelab.se ) and the host universities. Since 2022, CBCS has been one of the Swedish Research Council's infrastructures of national interest. Through this, the existing operations were strengthened, and new service areas were included through four new nodes – at Lund, Uppsala, Linköping, and Gothenburg Universities, respectively. This position will be located at the CBCS node at Umeå University.

Umeå University is one of Sweden's most prominent universities, with more than 37,000 students and 4,800 employees. The university combines high-quality education and world-leading research in several disciplines. Umeå University is also the site of the pioneering discovery of the gene scissors CRISPR-Cas9 – a revolution in genetic engineering awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campus makes it easy to meet, collaborate and exchange knowledge, which benefits a dynamic and open culture. Are you interested in knowing more about Umeå University as a workplace? Read more at: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/ .

CBCS' operations at Umeå University are located at the Department of Chemistry, one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology, with approximately 200 employees and a strong and expanding research. The department is located within the Chemical Biological Centre (https://www.umu.se/en/chemical-biological-centre/ ) at Umeå University. It provides excellent facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and platforms in a creative, inspiring, international, and highly interactive environment. For more information, see http://www.umu.se/en/department-of-chemistry/ .

Application
Your application must contain a personal letter with motivation for why you are applying for the job, a CV, a copy of the relevant diploma, and other relevant certificates/grades. Names and contact information for at least two reference persons will be requested later in the recruitment process. 

Applications must be submitted via our e-recruitment system by February 28 2023. 

Terms of employment
The employment is a full-time permanent position. A probationary period may be applied. Access as soon as possible or as agreed.

Information
For more information, please contact associate professor Erik Chorell, e-mail: erik.chorell@umu.se .