Umeå University - with its 29,000 students and over 4,000 employees – is an organisation in constant change and development. The university’s researchers carry out excellence within several areas of research, and many of them are among the world’s elite. We are one of Sweden’s largest providers of education and offer a broad and attractive range of courses and programmes. Our campus constitutes an inspiring environment for everyone that studies and works here. We wish to co-operate with companies and organisations throughout the Umeå region and all over the world.
Postdoctoral fellow/PhD recruitments UCMR
Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR; www.ucmr.se) was recently awarded a Linnaeus Grant from the Swedish Research Council for research on infectious diseases. The UCMR goal is to develop model systems to identify new control strategies for modern day problems of microbial infections such as emerging and re-emerging infections, large outbreaks of food, water and insect borne infections, hospital-acquired infections, bioterrorism, microbiota shift diseases, and antibiotic resistance. UCMR is an interdisciplinary consortium of academic research groups with outstanding track records in the fields of microbial molecular pathogenesis, chemistry, structural biology, and physics that have joined forces to establish a world-leading and sustainable scientific environment at Umeå University focused on understanding and preventing microbial infectious diseases. As a consortium, our various individual strategies and expertise for understanding microbial virulence will be integrated and applied to numerous pathogens. By combining the new discipline of chemical biology together with our internationally-recognized, cutting-edge molecular microbial genetics, small molecules are identified that interfere with the virulence of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, and parasites) providing powerful, innovative tools to identify novel mechanisms of virulence creating a foundation for the development of novel strategies in prevention and treatment of microbial infections and associated diseases.
UCMR Linnaeus program group leaders are now recruiting to eight two-year postdoctoral positions and one PhD student position for the different research projects that are described below.
Postdoctoral fellow positions
PhD student position
We have chosen to use a different global approach addressing any stage during the viral replication. The rationale of this stragegy is
a) access to the HTS facility within UCMR
b) access to replication competent vector that can replicate in all studied human cells
c) a robust system to monitor the interference of the putative antiviral compound with the replication of the viral vector
d) Reliable methods that can indicate the effect of the compound on the viability of the human cells
e) Quantitative methods for assessment of the effect of lead compounds on the replication of several different viruses of medical importance.
Qualification: Master degree or the equivalent in biomedicine or molecular biology. Experience of preparation of virions that are pathogenic for humans; validated qualitative and quantitative methods for detection of viral genomes and viral proteins; visual and biochemical methods for assessment of the effect of the lead compounds on the viability and cell dividing capacity of the eukaryotic host cells is meritorious.
Union information is available from SACO, +46-(0)90-786 53 65, SEKO civil, +46-(0)90-786 52 96 and ST, +46-(0)90-786 54 31.
Successful candidates for the postdoctoral should have earned a PhD degree in fields relevant for the positions and for the PhD position a Master degree or the equivalent in biomedicine or molecular biology is required. A complete application should include:
- Introductory letter with a statement of research interest
- CV
- A list of publications
- Names and contact details of two persons willing to act as references
Your application should be marked with the appropriate Ref no for the postdoctoral position. If you apply to several fellowships you have to send an application for each position. The application should sent electronically as one document and should be in PDF format.
Your complete application (state the reference number as subject, when you submit the electronic application), should be sent to jobb@umu.se or to the Registrar, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden to arrive March 13, 2009 at the latest.
We
look forward receiving your application!
Helicobacter pylori: Molecular mechanisms for dynamic expression in regulation of adherence properties, Ref 315-39-09
Further information: Anna Arnqvist, anna.arnqvist@medchem.umu.se
HELICOBACTER PYLORI infects the human stomach of more than half of the world’s population. The association of H. pylori infection and development of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer is well established. ADHERENCE to gastric epithelium is important for colonization and establishment of chronic infection. But the gastric milieu changes during pathogenesis and to establish a chronic infection, H. pylori must adjust its adherence properties to such changes. Adherence can also be devastating because of the threat of eradicated by the host immune response. Thus, the ability to cycle between an adherent and a non-adherent phenotype is probably critical for H. pylori to maintain infection. This project aims to elucidate molecular mechanisms involved in activation and de-activation of H. pylori adherence to the gastric epithelium. We use the best-characterized adhesin-receptor interactions, BabA and its interaction to ABH blood group antigens and the SabA adhesin and its interaction to the inflammation-associated sialyl-Lewis x/a antigens.
THIS PROJECT aims for molecular characterization of H. pylori vesicles and identification of molecular inhibitors of vesicle-host cell interaction. The project also involves studies of molecular mechanisms that confer metastable expression of adhesins during infection by use of Leb transgenic mice, and Rhesus monkeys as infection model.
REQUIREMENTS: PhD in an appropriate subject and documented experience in techniques required in the project.
For further information please contact anna.arnqvist@medchem.umu.se To read more about our research please visit the home pages of our research group www.medchem.umu.se/index.php/research/principal-investigators/93-anna-arnqvist
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Curlicides, Beta sheet mimetics that inhibits both Alzheimer Amyliods and Functional Amyloids in Bacteria, Ref 315-40-09
Further information: Fredrik Almqvist, Fredrik.Almqvist@chem.umu.se
Functional amyloids are abundant in the microbial world and fulfill diverse physiological roles among fungi and bacteria. Curli are extracellular amyloid fibers engineered by E. coli that promote adhesion and the elaboration of complex multi-cellular biofilm assemblies. We have demonstrated that nonpeptide small-molecule Aβ amyloid inhibitors prevent curli assembly in vitro and potently and selectively inhibit in vivo curli biogenesis. These ring-fused 2-pyridones, termed ‘curlicides,’ block bacterial amyloid assembly on agar medium, in liquid broth, and prevent biofilm formation by uropathogenic E. Coli on plastic and at an air-liquid interface. Experiments with E. coli gene mutants and these small molecule inhibitors have defined curli-dependent and independent biofilm models that are essential to formulating effective antibiofilm strategies. Thus, curli biogenesis is a tractable model to examine amyloid assembly in vivo and provides a unique discovery platform for the development of novel inhibitors of functional and disease-associated amyloid formation. This project will now continue with design and synthesis of improved curlicides and also traceable curlicides with biological activity will be in focus. Besides targeting better selectivity and potency, we are also intensifying our efforts to gain a deeper understanding of the curlicide mode of action at a molecular level.
Studies of Bacterial Adhesion by Force Measuring Optical Tweezers, Ref 315-41-09
Further information: Ove Axner, ove.axner@physics.umu.se
Länk till: Applications are invited for a two-year post-doc position in the field of biological physics aiming for enhancing the understanding of bacterial adhesion of pathogenic bacteria expressing adhesion organelles (pili) by combining state-of-the-art optical micromanipulation techniques from the fields of physics (Force Measuring Optical Tweezers, FMOT) with biology (molecular genetics) and chemistry (development of inhibitors) in a multidisciplinary approach.
The project will be performed in collaboration with UCMR researchers at the Departments of Physics, Molecular Biology and Chemistry, wherefore the successful applicant should preferably have interest in at least two of these fields. Most of the work will be performed using FMOT instrumentation at the Optical Tweezers Centre. This center has, during the last years, gained a leading role regarding investigations of bacterial adhesion processes using force measuring optical tweezers (www.phys.umu.se/exphys/OpticalTweezers/Publications).
The present position is for extended studies in the field, partly expanding previous and ongoing research to new areas. The function and properties of a few specific types of pili, predominantly expressed by uropathogenic E. coli, will be assessed on an individual attachment organelles level. Depending on the background of the successful applicant, the project will either be focused upon i) an investigation of how selected site-directed changes in gene sequences for the major subunits of pili may result in alterations in their macroscopic biomechanical and/or adhesion properties, or ii) an investigation of the cooperativeness of individual pili under in-vivo-like conditions (which governs the ability of bacteria to withstand the shear forces from external flows that widely supersedes the detachment forces of an individual pilus adhesin). Depending on the success of the project, it can also include studies of other type of fimbriae (e.g. those of amyloid-type) as well as an investigation of how novel smart drugs (s k inhibitors) can affect the biomechanical properties of attachment organelles, including their genesis. It is believed that these studies can be important for the identification of new targets for the development of novel anti-adhesive drugs against bacterial infections.
The research is interdisciplinary, requiring basic knowledge in such disparate fields as physics/biological physics, microbiology, and chemistry/biochemistry. The successful applicant should therefore have skills/experience in as many of these fields as possible. Previous experience with optical tweezers instrumentation is an advantage but not necessary. The successful candidate is expected to be highly motivated, and to have strong work ethics, good communication skills, and critical thinking abilities, should speak English fluently, and should be able to work independently as well as within a research group.
For more information, please contact Prof. Ove Axner ove.axner@physics.umu.se More information can also be found at www.phys.umu.se/exphys/OpticalTweezers/Open_Pos.htm.
Disarming the virulence properties of the food-borne pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Ref 315-42-09
Further information: Matthew Francis, matthew.francis@molbiol.umu.se
A two-year Post-doctoral research position exits within the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR) and Linnaeus programs at the Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Sweden. The project involves elucidating how the CpxRA two-component phosphorelay system, normally involved in quality control of membrane biogenesis, affects virulence gene expression in the enteropathogenic bacteria Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.
Key selection criteria for the position include the following. The successful applicant will be the holder of a PhD degree in the area of bacteriology/bacterial pathogenesis (or a suitable equivalent) and be competent with recombinant DNA techniques. You may also have microarray and/or high throughput screening experience. In addition, knowledge of regulatory mechanisms of bacterial gene expression will be considered favourably as will experience with maintaining and infecting tissue culture cell lines or other equivalent bacterial infection models. The successful applicant will also exhibit a strong work ethic, be self motivated and analytical, and demonstrate a capacity and interest for independent problem solving.
Any questions can be address directly to Docent (Assoc. Prof.) Matthew Francis, Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Sweden, phone +46-(0)90-785 67 52, email, matthew.francis@molbiol.umu.se. More information can also be accessed at our research homepage (www.molbiol.umu.se/forskning/Groups/francis/index.html) or at the homepage of UCMR (www.ucmr.se/).
Your application, in English, must address the selection criteria. It should also include a short summary (max.1 page) of your previous research experience, a short description (max. 1 page) on how you could contribute to the project success, a copy of your PhD certificate, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact details (telephone and email) of three suitable referees.
Gut infection and distal inflammatory related diseases, Ref 315-44-09
Further information: Maria Fällman, maria.fallman@molbiol.umu.se
Gut inflammation with perturbations of mucosal immune responses appear as a central trigger of many diseases. Inflammatory rheumatic disease following enteric Yersinia infections is well documented and enteric Yersinia has also been reported as trigger of chronic IBD, and Crohn´s disease. In this project we use the Y. pseudotuberculosis infection in mice as a model system for persistent gastrointestinal infection, a potential model for chronic inflammation triggered by bacteria.
Applicants should have a PhD in Immunology. Prior experience in working with molecular cloning methods, cell culturing, cytoflutometry, mouse infection experiments is a plus. The candidate is expected to be highly motivated, and to have strong work ethics, excellent communication skills, and critical thinking abilities.
The application should be in a single pdf file and contain CV, a statement of research interest, and names with contact information of three referees.
For further information about our research visit the home pages of our research group www.molbiol.umu.se/forskning/Groups/fallman/index.html and of the UCMR (www.ucmr.se).
Quorum Sensing and Type VI Secretion Systems in Vibrios, Ref 315-45-09
Further information: Debra Milton, debra.milton@molbiol.umu.se
Vibrio anguillarum is widely distributed in the aquatic environment and is part of the normal microflora of marine fish. When the health or immune system of fish is compromised, V.
anguillarum causes a hemorrhagic septicaemia similar to other opportunistic vibrio
pathogens. A postdoctoral position is available to study how this vibrio interacts with its
environment and its host. Specifically, the project will investigate novel mechanisms that
modulate quorum-sensing gene regulation and type VI secretion systems in V. anguillarum and how these systems affect the bacterial survival in the host and the marine environment.
These studies will be done using molecular microbiology and chemical biology approaches.
Type 6 Secretion and the Virulence of Francisella tularensis, Ref 315-46-09
Further information: Anders Sjöstedt, anders.sjostedt@climi.umu.se
Francisella tularensis is a highly virulent bacterium and the etiologic agent of tularemia. The bacterium can infect humans through the skin, gastrointestinal tract and the lung and is transmitted by various means, including bites from ticks, flies, or mosquitoes; and inhalation of infectious aerosols. The disease is rather common in the Nordic countries. While the molecular mechanisms of Francisella infections are largely unresolved, it has been established that the ability to survive and multiply in macrophages is essential for Francisella virulence. Of crucial importance for this ability is the expression of some 20 genes present in a pathogenicity island.
Currently, we are investigating the role of these genes for the virulence of F. tularensis. Some of the genes show homologies to proteins present in so called type VI secretion systems, e.g., IglA and IglB. We have an ongoing project aimed to unravel the mechanisms of these proteins and their possible correlation to a putative type VI secretion system of F. tularensis. Substantial progress has been made in the area and we therefore are looking for a strong applicant to address additional questions pertinent to the work. The project will involve creation of specific mutants, characterization of defined mutant strains in cell infection and animal models and elucidation of the structures involved.
We are looking for a highly motivated applicant with a PhD in molecular biology or microbiology. Prior experience in working with cell infection models, animal models and bacterial gene regulation is a plus. The application should be in a single pdf file with CV, a statement of research interest, and names with contact information of three referees.
Experienced protein crystallographer wanted for structure-function studies of protein components involved in bacteria-host cell interactions., Ref 315-47-09
Further information: Elisabeth Sauer-Eriksson,
elisabeth.sauer-eriksson@chem.umu.se.
A full-time post doc position is available for an experienced macromolecular crystallographer. The project involves structure-function studies of proteins and protein complexes involved in bacteria host cell interactions. Proteins of interest include metalloproteases from Vibrio cholerae and protein components from type III secretion system from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. The work includes: cloning and expression of proteins, purification, characterization and crystallization of proteins, collection of X-ray diffraction data and processing, mapping of macromolecular structures and structural analysis.
Applicants should have a PhD with documented experience in X-ray crystallographic methods, model building, and structural analysis. Previous experience of work with other biochemical and molecular biological methods is qualifying.
For further information about our research visit the home pages of the Sauer-Eriksson group (soul.ucmp.umu.se or www.chem.umu.se) and of the UCMR (www.ucmr.se). Questions can be addressed to Prof. Elisabeth Sauer-Eriksson (elisabeth.sauer-eriksson@chem.umu.se)
Global strategy to detect unique antiviral substances,
Ref 313-48-09
Further information: Göran Wadell, goran.wadell@climi.umu.se
Virus infections have profound medical importance. The spetrum of available vaccine is restricted. Antiviral treatment has been successful against HIV, hepatitis B and C and members of the herpes virus family. In these cases viral polymerases, thymidine kinases, proteases or integraes have been identified and successfully targeted. |
