Doctoral (PhD) student position in environmental toxicology

Published: 2019-11-14

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our mission is to pursue top-quality research and education and to interact constructively with society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has 44.000 students, 7.100 employees and a turnover of SEK 7 billion.

The Department of Organismal Biology teaches and explores the evolution, development and function of whole organisms. For more information see www.iob.uu.se

The doctoral student will be part of the Molecular Toxicology and Epigenetics (EpiTox) group at the program for Environmental Toxicology, led by Prof. Joëlle Rüegg and consisting of 2 PhD students and 2 postdocs. Research within the EpiTox group focuses on deciphering mechanisms underlying (neuro)developmental effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with a particular focus on epigenetic regulation.

Duties/Project description: The PhD project will employ cell and aquatic vertebrate models as well as CRISPR-Cas9 technology to delineate mechanisms underlying developmental and multigenerational effects of EDCs. The student will use a variety of methods including cultivation and differentiation of mammalian cells, optimization of CRISPR-Cas9 methodology for epigenome editing, genome-wide and targeted DNA methylation analyses, gene expression analysis, and work with zebrafish, as well as bioinformatic and statistical methods for data analysis. In addition, the PhD student is expected to draft scientific articles and participate and present at scientific meetings.

Requirements: A person meets the general entry requirements for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if he/she has been awarded advanced/second-cycle/master qualification (i.e. master degree) comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded on the second-cycle/master level.  The degree shall be in natural or life sciences, biomedicine or equivalent areas with specialization in toxicology, molecular or cellular biology, biochemistry or other suitable areas.

We are looking for a talented, social and highly motivated student who is interested in the field of endocrine disruptors. As the work will be carried out in an international interdisciplinary environment, good oral and written communication skills in English as well as good collaboration skills are required.

Additional qualifications: Background knowledge in endocrine disruption as well as experience with cell models, zebrafish, DNA methylation analysis, CRISPR-Cas9 technology, as well as statistical and bioinformatic analyses is a merit.

Position: The PhD-student position is a 4-year appointment, and the candidate will primarily devote the time to his/her own research studies. Other departmental work, such as teaching or administration can be part of the position (maximum 20 %). Salary placement is in accordance with local guidelines at Uppsala University. The applicant must be eligible for PhD studies at Uppsala University.

Information about research education can be found at the web site of the Faculty of Science and Technology, http://www.teknat.uu.se/Doktorand/.

Application: The application should include 1) a letter of intent describing yourself, your research interests and motivation of why you want to do a PhD, 2) a short description of your education, 3) a CV, 4) a copy of your master degree and course grades, 5) the names and contact information (address, email address, and phone number) of at least two reference persons, 6) relevant publications (including master thesis). The application should be written in English.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/?languageId=1.

In filling this position, the university aims to recruit the person who, in the combined evaluation of competence, skills and documented qualifications, is judged most suitable to carry out and develop the work-in-hand and to contribute to a positive development of the department.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.

Starting date: 15-01-2020 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Joëlle Rüegg, phone number +46737121592, email joelle.ruegg@ebc.uu.se

Please submit your application by 4 December 2019, UFV-PA 2019/3996.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services. Applications must be submitted as described in this advertisement.