Saturday, September 12, 2015

PhD - Stem Cell Aging and Cancer Research

PhD Candidate in Haematopoietic Malignancies at the Department of Medical Biology
Applications shall be marked: Ref. 2015/2976
UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, Faculty of Health Sciences, has a PhD position vacant for applicants who wish to obtain the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD).
The position is attached to the Department of Medical Biology and the research group Stem Cell Aging and Cancer.
The PhD position is for a fixed term (four years), with the objective of completion of research training to the level of a doctoral degree. Admission to a PhD programme is a prerequisite for employment, and the programme period starts on commencement of the position. The PhD Candidate shall participate in the faculty’s organized research training, and the PhD project shall be completed during the period of employment. Information about the application process for admission to the PhD programme, application form, and regulations for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) are available at the following address:Faculty of Health Sciences
The position is organized within the recently appointed Stem Cell Aging and Cancer Research Group. The group aims at understanding the molecular mechanisms of blood stem cell malignant transformation, and the complex interactions of this cell with its surrounding microenvironment. Our goal is the identification of novel therapeutic targets of potential clinical interest. We use a variety of state-of-the-art techniques in the field, including novel mouse genetic tools, stem cells, omics and advanced imaging. The group has a broad international network and strengthens translational research through established collaborations with the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN). References to the group’s research over the last years:Arranz et al., 2014, Nature; Sanchez-Aguilera et al., 2014, Cell Stem Cell; Arranz et al., 2012, Cell Cycle; Herrera-Merchan et al., 2012, Nature Communications. www.uit.no/research/sac
The position’s field of research/research project and other duties
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a highly aggressive type of cancer, where abnormal white blood cells grow fast and accumulate inside the bone cavity. AML is the most common acute leukaemia in adults, its incidence increases with age and the prognosis for the older patient remains bleak. Overcoming these problems will require better understanding of AML. Besides, cancer and normal cells differ in their metabolism that is their way of obtaining energy. Alterations in different steps of metabolic pathways link to cancer development and resistance to therapies. Furthermore, surrounding normal cells can sense metabolism disturbances through signalling by intermediates such as succinate, usually present inside the cell but released outside under metabolic stress. The proposed project will test the novel hypothesis that succinate signalling disturbances cooperate with autonomous lesions on blood stem cells to drive AML.
The PhD candidate’s research will include a broad range of techniques typically applied to stem cell research, including FACS immunophenotype and functional assays of self-renewal and differentiation bothex vivo and in vivo, i.e. transplantation. Next generation RNA-sequencing, mass spectrometry and bioinformatics as well as bioimaging will be performed.
For more information and to submit your application, please click

Further information about the position is available by contacting Junior Group Leader (NCMM Young Associate Investigator) Dr. Lorena Arranz, tel: +47 776 20841,
e-mail: lorena.arranz@uit.no. Please note: Applications to this email address will not be accepted. Questions concerning the organisation of the working environment, such as the physical state of the place of employment, health service, possibility for flexible working hours, part time, etc. as well as questions about the PhD programme may be directed to the telephone reference in this announcement.

Desired skills and experience

Qualification requirements
The successful applicant must fulfil the requirements for admission to the faculty’s PhD programme, cf. Regulation for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at UiT The Arctic University of Norway. In addition, he/she must be able to document proficiency in English equivalent to Norwegian Higher Education Entrance Qualification, refer to the website about PhD regulations at UiT.
Candidates should have MSc degree with documented background in cellular and molecular biology. Only students with an average grade of C or better will be considered for the position. Applicants with a medical degree with research experience (Research school or 5th year project in a relevant field), as well as master students in the final stages are also qualified to apply.
Strong interest in mouse models, stem cell biology and molecular biology is required. Documented experience with cell and molecular biology methods, flow cytometry and microscopy is essential. Documented experience with research animals will be an advantage.
The applicant must speak and write English fluently.
We are seeking highly motivated future scientists. The candidate must be able to work systematically, independently and have the ability to work in an interdisciplinary research team. The successful candidate is expected to have good analytical skills. Emphasis will be placed on the communicative and collaborative skills, as well as personal suitability and the motivation and interest in the project.
Assessment
The applicants will be assessed by an expert committee. During this assessment process, emphasis will be attached to the applicant’s potential for research as shown by:
  • Master’s thesis or equivalent
  • any other academic works
  • documented ability to work independently
  • skills in scientific writing in English
  • knowledge and interest of the project’s specific topic
  • interest and motivation for this specific project

In addition, consideration may be given to work experience or other activities of significance for the implementation of the PhD studies, and to any teaching qualifications. This includes teaching education, teaching experience, experience from popularization and experience/education from other types of dissemination. Information and material to be considered during the assessment must be submitted by the stipulated deadline.
The applicants who are assessed as the best qualified will called to an interview. The interview shall among other things aim to clarify the applicant’s personal suitability for the position.

About the employer

The Faculty of Health Sciences at UiT The Arctic University of Norway represents a newly created entity gathering almost all possible health study programs. This facilitates an unique interdisciplinarity and innovation in health education and research. We work closely with the services in the North to solve tomorrow's challenges. Read more about us at www.uit.helsefak.
The position’s affiliation
The Faculty of Health Sciences includes eight different departments and has approximately 1000 staff members, 280 PhD-students and 2700 students.
More than 200 staff members from all over the world have their workplace at the Department of Medical Biology (IMB). The department consists of 11 research groups concentrated on fundamental biomedical research problems, including research on various forms of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, the body's immune system and anti-biotic resistance. The Department is also involved in marine bio-prospecting and testing of new drugs.
IMB provides education for students studying programmes in medicine, dentistry, biomedical laboratory sciences, biomedicine and pharmacy.

No comments:

Post a Comment