PhD in epigenetics and chromatin dynamics in human brain development - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The Laboratory of Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics at the Department of Experimental Medical Science (Faculty of Medicine), is currently conducting research investigating the epigenetic regulation of repetitive and transposable genetic elements – so-called 'genomic dark matter' – in human brain development. The group consists of 5 research-active members and is led by Dr Christopher Douse. We are fascinated by how these underexplored regions of the human genome contribute functionally to human neurobiology and neurological disease. Our work integrates state-of-the-art wet and dry lab methods. More information can be found at Here. As a workplace, we safeguard a good work environment with respect and consideration in our relationships with each other.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University

Work duties and areas of responsibility

You will lead a project on the epigenetic regulation of transposable and repetitive elements by MORC ATPases and associated protein complexes. This will involve designing, executing and analysing loss- and gain-of-function experiments in stem cell models of human brain development. This is a long-term project aimed at discovering new basic human neurobiology, and thereby insights on the mechanistic underpinning of repeat-associated neurological disorders.

Qualifications

Requirements for employment are:

-A masters or equivalent education in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics or similar topics

-Good, demonstrable knowledge of state-of-the-art methods of epigenome profiling (e.g. CUT&RUN, Nanopore sequencing) and/or methods to model human brain development (e.g. organoids, neural stem cell culture).

-Being a good team-player  with a strong interest in epigenetics and stem cell biology.

-Personal qualities such as curiosity, flexibility and a drive to discover new biology.

Additional qualifications for the position are:

-Excellent interpersonal skills and independence, and an ability and interest in collaborating.

-Experience in handling bioinformatic analyses of genomic methods (e.g. RNA-seq, CUT&RUN-seq)

-Knowledge of basic protein biochemistry (e.g. Western blotting) or imaging (immunofluorescent staining)

-An interest in repetitive and transposable elements.

Further information

The employment is a fixed-term employment for 4 years at 100 percent with a start date 1th of May 2023, or as agreed, but at the latest at 30th of April, 2027.

How to apply

The application should include a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a CV, degree certificates or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.) Candidates will be considered on an ongoing basis during the application period.

Eligibility
Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Type of employment
Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.