Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
The Department of Medical and Translational Biology at the Faculty of Medicine is now seeking a project assistant for a research project related to human brain aging. The position is full-time and limited to 12 months.
Project Description
Human brain aging is one of the main risk factors for the development of neurodegenerative disorders, therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms behind healthy brain aging is extremely relevant. Our group approaches this question from a novel perspective, by studying the role of transposable elements (TEs) in this process. TEs occupy 50% of the human genome and are known to be very strong gene regulators. Therefore, to avoid their harmful effects, in adult tissues they are silenced by epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation. Dr. Horvath’s previous research has uncovered several mechanisms by which TEs regulate gene expression in the human brain, including through interaction with their epigenetic repressors such as DNA methylation. Importantly, our preliminary data revealed significant alterations in this epigenetic repression as we age, posing one of the group’s main research questions: How do age-related changes in epigenetic repression alter the impact of TEs in the elderly brain?
In this project we will aim to answer this question by focusing on the white matter in the brain, known to be greatly affected during aging, and its main cell type, oligodendrocytes. We will leverage patient-derived material such as post-mortem tissue and cell models, including cellular reprogramming coupled with CRISPR gene editing. We use state-of-the-art sequencing methods e.g. Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing and 10X genomics single-cell sequencing. Moreover, we will work with TE tailored bioinformatic approaches for analyzing the generated datasets.
The laboratory of Functional Neurogenomics led by Dr. Horvath is a new and dynamically growing research group, where you will be part of a vibrant and stimulating international environment.
Work Duties
As a Project Assistant, you will work with patient-derived material such as post-mortem brain samples and cell models (neural progenitor cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, neurons and oligodendrocytes). You will have the opportunity to learn cellular reprogramming using lentiviral vectors and to manipulate these cells using CRISPR gene editing, also as part of a possible future therapeutic approach. You will also use state-of-the art whole genome sequencing methods such as Oxford Nanopore DNA and RNA sequencing, 10X Genomics snRNA sequencing, CUT&RUN, and Illumina RNA-seq. You will be responsible for performing the experiments but with guidance from the lab members you will also have the opportunity to use TE-tailored bioinformatical approaches to analyze and interpret your results. While your main focus will be your research project, you will also work in close collaboration with other lab members, and will have the chance to present your research in internal and external meetings.
Qualifications
To be eligible for employment as a Project Assistant, the applicant must have a Master’s Degree or equivalent foreign degree in biomedicine, neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology or a similar field. A background in any of the following fields is required: Neuroscience, epigenetics, genetics, gene regulation. The candidate must have excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written, as well as good communication skills.
Personal Qualities
We seek a talented, detail-oriented and curious candidate with critical thinking skills, willingness to learn and who can both work independently and collaboratively within the research group.
Meritorious
Great emphasis will be placed on personal competence, and in addition to the above-mentioned qualifications, experience with one or more of the following will be viewed favourably:
Good knowledge in Molecular Biology Techniques (DNA extraction, RNA extraction, cloning, Next generation sequencing)
Bioinformatic data analysis skills
Documented Experience in communicating scientific results
Application
Your application should be written in English and submitted via the e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 2026-01-20.
The application must include:
A short cover letter (approximately one A4 page) describing the applicant’s research experience, research interests, and suitability for the project.
A CV (Curriculum Vitae) including degrees, technical expertise, employment history, and names and contact information for 2 referees.
Other documents the applicant wishes to include.
The position is full-time and limited to 12 months.
Contact Information:
Information about the position is provided by Vivien Horváth Email: vivien.horvath@umu.se Department of Medical and Translational Biology Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
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