Postdoctoral Position in Bioinformatics at Umeå University, Sweden

Within the large KAW project " From genealogy to yeast; the search for colon cancer genes with a multidisciplinary approach" the aim is to identify mutations which give a predisposition for colon cancer and to understand why this is the case at the molecular level. There have been several attempts made to understand the genetics of the cancer cell through whole genome sequencing. However, by simply comparing mutations found in a tumor cell with those found in healthy tissue it is not possible to determine which mutation was the driving factor leading to the development of the tumor cell. Our unique approach is to analyze not the tumor cells but, instead, to look at healthy somatic cells in individuals that have developed familial colon cancer. T

he strength of this project also lies in the multidisciplinary competence of the participating investigators. Four research groups are involved with expertise in oncology, genetics, bioinformatics and DNA repair/replication systems. Mapping the genome using next generation sequencing technologies has created great opportunities to identify common, disease-causing mutations. These will in turn be analyzed in different model systems for understanding the molecular mechanisms of colon cancer.

To this project, we are now searching for a person who can independently manage next generation sequencing data, develop methods and use existing software pipelines for organizing and analyzing such data from human samples. The position is full time and for a period of two years.

Competence requirements

To be eligible for the position you should have a PhD, or equivalent, in bioinformatics, biotechnology, genomics, computer science, statistics or related field, which is not more than three years old. You have documented good knowledge of at least one relevant scripting language (R, Python, Perl, C), and knowledge of the computational methods used in the analysis of Illumina/454/Solid sequencing data. Emphasis will also be placed on personal qualities such as collaboration and communication skills, analytical capacity and ability to take initiative. It is important that you have a good sense of initiative, and an ability to work independently. You will work in a multidisciplinary environment and, therefore, very good oral and written communication skills in English are required. Postdoctoral experience is a merit.

The application

The application should include (1) a Curriculum Vitae, (2) copies of degree certificates and publications, (3) names and contact information to at least three reference persons and (4) a cover letter with a motivation. The application can be submitted either electronically (MS Word or PDF format) or in hard-copy (two copies) form.

Further Scholarship Information and Application