Doctoral Student Position

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BioMedical Center, University of Iceland: PhD studentships available in transcriptional regulation.

We are looking for two highly qualified and motivated researchers for Ph.D. positions focusing on transcription regulation during melanocyte proliferation and in mouse embryonic stem cells, at the University of Iceland, Reykjavík.

The projects are supported by the University of Iceland Doctoral Fund for three years.

The studentships are at the Biomedical Center (www.lifvisindi.hi.is) and are associated with the Faculty of Medicine and the Graduate Program in Molecular Life Sciences. The graduate program is a joint program between research groups at the University of Iceland and research organizations associated with the University. The main objective of GPMLS is to create a dynamic interdisciplinary educational program and to advance research and education in the field of molecular life sciences. The program offers research and education opportunities in a stimulating environment for students working towards MSc or PhD.

PhD Position (Transcription Regulation During Melanocyte Proliferation)
The student will determine the role of the melanocyte specific transcription factor MITF in regulating cell proliferation. The approach will use both mouse and cell models to characterize how MITF mediates effects on proliferation. In addition the project will depend on RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data and will use traditional methods of molecular biology, including transcription activation assays. Eiríkur Steingrímsson, professor in the Faculty of Medicine will be the supervisor (http://lifvisindi.hi.is/staff/eirikur-steingrimsson).

PhD Position (Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells)
The student will investigate transcriptional mechanisms in mouse embryonic stem cell fate commitment, with the aim of generating a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of early embryonic development. The approach will focus on genome wide assays such as chromatin immunoprecipitation and gene expression analysis coupled to high throughput sequencing in addition to molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology techniques as well as CRISPR-Cas9 based genome editing techniques. Erna Magnúsdóttir, associate professor at the Faculty of medicine, will be the projects supervisor.

 

Requirements

  • We are looking for excellent students with a MSc degree in cell biology, biochemistry or a related discipline.
  • Good experience working on research in a laboratory setting on molecular biology and cell biology assays.
  • Experience and skills in mammalian cell culture are essential
  • Good Computer skills.
  • Fluency in both written and spoken English is essential.
  • The applicants need to be able to work independently and have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • The applicants must meet the requirements needed to enrol into the School of Health Sciences Ph.D. program.

For more information, please contact Eiríkur Steingrímsson (eirikurs@hi.is) or Erna Magnúsdóttir (erna@hi.is).

Application
Please include the following with the application:

  • Description of how the applicant meets the requirements, his/her interests in the project, one of them or both, and how he/she can contribute to the project (max 2 pages).
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  • Certificates of education (BS and MSc degree) and distribution of grades.
  • The name, telephone number and e-mail address of two referrals (their relationship to the applicant).
  • Overview of publications.
  • Applicants are also invited to send PDF of MS thesis (in any language) and any other relevant publications if available (max 5 documents).

The application deadline is May 22nd 2018.

The applicant is expected to start in September 2018.

Please apply through the University of Iceland website: http://english.hi.is/vacancies_list

The salary for the position will be in accordance with the current collective wage and salary agreement between the trade union and the Minister of Finance.

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Rights Policy of the University of Iceland.

The School of Health Sciences at the University of Iceland is a national leader in the field of health care and has played a key role in the build-up of the Icelandic health care system. The school is comprised of six faculties: Faculty of Nursing; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition; Faculty of Psychology and Faculty of Odontology.