Description of research group and project:
Projects Background:
Possibly more than 50% of the human genome codes for non-coding RNA. These RNAs are ubiquitous among all life forms and the mechanisms how non-coding RNAs regulate these cellular functions are largely unknown.
Our research group is interested in understanding how RNAs adopt their structures to select specific functions in a pool of RNAs. We employ different biochemical and biophysical techniques (e.g. EMSA, NMR, SHAPE), to investigate the molecular mechanism of RNA function (Nature 2012, 2015 & 2020).
The Project:
The Postdoc will work on RNAs addressing biological/medical questions studied in the lab. Methods to be used can range from NMR and computational work via SHAPE to assays in human cells. You will work in a team together with other lab members and regularly present your research work in lab-meetings, seminars and at international conferences.
The projects in the lab are focused on understanding microRNA targeting, ribosomal dynamics and development of in-cell NMR of RNA, all with a “taste” of dynamics and long-term aiming for drug development.
Your profile
To apply for the position, the applicant must have a PhD degree or have equivalent scientific competence. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) date of employment. This must be substantiated by the applicant’s main supervisor, director or equivalent.
To qualify, the applicant should have a background in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, chemistry or biophysics of RNA with an interest in multi-disciplinary research. Of advantage are knowledge in SHAPE, cryo-EM, RNA biochemistry, NMR and computational aspects of biology, but not required.
We are looking for a motivated, well organized, driven and enthusiastic person interested in our area of research, who is ready to explore new avenues in science. The candidate should have a high degree of independence but should also show a collaborative approach to research and be able to work productively in a team. Fluency in English is a requirement (written and oral).
What we deliver
We are an international lab with an interest of understanding the functional implications of RNA structural changes. Expertise in the lab crosses the natural sciences, though we don’t have a current resident physicist. We like to work together on high-risk research questions. Support each other, when we don’t manage to solve an issue and come up with alternative paths and celebrate together when we do. The lab has a good track record in funding (the position will be funded, but if wanted, own funding applications will also be supported), publishing (lot of method development and application, e.g. Nature 2020) and alumni often have found positions they were looking for.
You can learn everything on how to make an RNA, how to study its interaction and structure using many different methods in the lab.
Application process
An application must contain the following documents in English:
- A complete curriculum vitae (CV, max. 3 pages), including (planned) date of the thesis defense, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work, contact information of at least 2 references
- A complete list of publications
- A summary of current work (no more than one page)
- Verifications for crediting of illness, military service, work for labor unions or student organizations, parental leave or similar circumstances,
- A short project proposal for work in our lab (max. ½ page).
Contact person: Katja Petzold, katja.petzold@imbim.uu.se & Julie Bianchi julie.bianchi@ki.se
Deadline: until position is filled (earliest possible decision is April 10th 2023, but applications afterwards might still be considered)
