PhD position in research on human trophoblast development and preeclampsia - University of Iceland

We are looking for a highly qualified, motivated and a hard-working PhD student to work on tracking trophoblast in human placental development and preeclampsia at the University of Iceland. The project will be carried out under the supervision of Dr. Gudrun Valdimarsdottir, associate professor at the University of Iceland. The project is a joint collaboration with Aristidis Moustakas, professor at Uppsala University. The student will belong to the Graduate Program in Molecular Life Sciences, a joint program between research groups at the University of Iceland and other research organizations and will therefore belong to a stimulating interdisciplinary educational program in the field of molecular life sciences.

Field of work

The project is within the field of trophoblast stem cell development and focuses on tracking trophoblasts during the invasion of maternal spiral arteries. Cutting-edge technologies will be used to clarify the trophoblast trajectory and will involve a novel EMT/MEndT reporter system in human Trophoblast Stem Cells, RNA sequencing and CUT&RUN mapping of transcription factor binding. Immunostainings on preeclamptic placentas will be done.

Qualification requirements

• Recent MSc degree in molecular biology, biomedical engineering, stem cell biology or related fields
• Laboratory experience in cellular and molecular biology
• Experience in working with stem cells and molecular cloning is valuable
• Good computer and data analysis skills are essential
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Independence and self-drive when it comes to working in the laboratory
• Ability to work in a team

Application process

The project will take place within a vibrant scientific environment within the Biomedical Center (BMC) at the University of Iceland. The BMC is an official collaboration between research groups working in biomedical molecular life sciences within the University of Iceland, the University Hospital, Reykjavik University and other research institutions in Iceland. It includes over 70 Principal Investigators and over hundred graduate students and postdocs. The graduate program will take place in Reykjavík, Iceland, which is a safe, beautiful and a fun place to live and work.

Please include the following with the application:

• Description of how the applicants meet the requirements, their interests in the project and how they can contribute to the project (max 2 pages)
• CV
• Certificates of education (BSc and MSc degrees) and distribution of grades
• Reference letter from at least two previous supervisors/teachers (including information on their relationship to the applicant).
• Overview of publications, if any.
• Applicants are also invited to send PDF of MS thesis (in any language) and any other relevant publications if available (max 5 documents).

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications may be valid for six months.

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

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy.  https://www.hi.is/haskolinn/malstefna_haskola_islands

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. 

The University of Iceland is the largest teaching; research and science institute in Iceland and is ranked among the top 300 universities in the world by Times Higher Education.

Application deadline

Application deadline is 12.07.2022

For further information contact

Guðrún Valdimarsdóttir

gudrunva@hi.is