PhD Studentship in Biology & Life Science at Umea University, Sweden

PhD-student position in Biology & Life Science at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umea University is available to highly motivated international students. The ROPES project aims to understand RNA modifications in shaping cell phenotype and its application in human diseases.

Summary

Project Description

PhD-student position in RNA modifications and breast cancer at the Department of Molecular Biology within the Marie Sklodowska-Curie action by the Framework Programme of the European Union for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020.

This announced position is part of the “ROPES – ROles of ePistranscriptomic in diseasES” project, funded within the Marie Sklodowska-Curie action by the Framework Programme the European Union for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020. The ROPES project aims to understand RNA modifications in shaping cell phenotype and its application in human diseases. Twelve Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) will be recruited to work in laboratories with expertise in RNA modification, development, bioinformatics, cancer, immunology, and drug development.

Project description

One PhD position is available for a highly motivated and creative student who wishes to study the role of RNA modifications in breast cancer metastasis under Assistant Professor Francesca Aguilo. RNA modifications can respond rapidly to various stimuli, incredibly stress, without the need for activation of new time-consuming transcriptional programs. During tumorigenesis, proliferating cancer cells encounter various cellular stresses, and the adaptation to such stresses is an essential driver of cancer cell survival.

The applicant will combine genetic, biochemical, biological and genome-wide approaches to decipher how altered RNA modifications patterns contribute to metastatic breast cancer. 2D and 3D cell culture models, patient samples, and orthotopic mouse transplantation will be used to study the central RNA-based regulatory circuitry in breast tumorigenesis. In addition to their scientific projects, the successful candidate will benefit from further continuing education, which includes research visits in collaborating research groups in Lausanne (Switzerland) and Trento (Italy), a variety of training modules, as well as courses on transferable skills, and active participation in workshops and conferences.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is April 30, 2021

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a University degree of at least 240 credits (ECTS), including 60 credits at an advanced level or equivalent education levels otherwise acquired in Sweden or abroad.

Also, the applicant should have gained basic theoretical knowledge in molecular and cell biology and have good experience in laboratory work, method development, and different biochemical methods of analysis. Practical experience of cell culture and work with mouse models is merit. The ideal candidate should be able to pursue challenging tasks, solve problems and achieve objectives, and do so in intense collaboration and communication with other researchers.

Specific admission requirements

The applicant must be skilled in both oral and written communication in English, and this is evaluated by a presentation of the research plan in English for the supervisor and the postgraduate studies board of the department.

Candidates must demonstrate eligibility according to the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions eligibility requirements as follows:

a) Researcher status: ESRs are young researchers who, at the date of recruitment (the starting date indicated in the contract), are in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree.

b) Nationality: Applicant ESRs can be of any nationality.

c) Mobility requirements: Applicant ESRs must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before the date of recruitment (Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account).

Additional information about the position

For additional information about the position, please contact assistant professor Francesca Aguilo via e-mail francesca.aguilo@umu.se.

Recruitment process information

Eligible applications will be forwarded to the relevant partners in charge of each project, and each partner will shortlist their applicants. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with the ROPES team in May. Applicants will be informed of the outcome by the end of May 2021. Successful applicants will need to prove that they are eligible (three aspects: respect ESR definition, mobility criteria, and English language proficiency).

The formal enrolment of the successful applicant as a PhD student is preceded by an evaluation to ensure that the applicant meets the requirements of the higher education ordinance in order to be accepted as a doctoral student at the Faculty of Medicine at Umeå University. The selected ESRs are expected to start on September 1 2021.

Application Process

The application should include:

1. A cover letter with the description of the applicant’s research experience, research interests and motivation for the application.

2. Curriculum vitae.

3. Copy of relevant degrees with certifications.

4. Copies of Bachelor/Master thesis work and relevant publications.

5. Contact information for two reference persons.

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