Postdoctoral fellow in Microbiology and Immunology

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 53 500 students and 6 500 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Institute of Biomedicine is involved in both research and education. In both of these areas, we focus on fundamental knowledge of the living cell – what it consists of, how it works, how its function is directed by the genetic material, and how it interacts with various kinds of micro-organisms. Using this knowledge, we try to elucidate the causes of diseases, and find new ways to diagnose and treat them.

The Institute is composed of the following four departments:

• The Department of Infectious Diseases
• The Department of Microbiology and Immunology
• The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology
• The Department of Laboratory Medicine

At present, the institute has about 360 employees and approximately 440 million SEK in total assets

Subject area

Microbiology and Immunology.

Subject area description

The tick-borne bacterium Neoehrlichia mikurensis is the cause of the infectious disease neoehrlichiosis. Our group reported one of the very first cases of this emerging human infection in 2010. Neoehrlichia mikurensis is a strict intracellular pathogen that targets vascular endothelial cells, which probably explains the high rate of thromboembolic and vascular events that afflicts infected individuals. B-cells are crucial in the immune defense against this pathogen and infected subjects with clonal B-cell disease (hematologic malignancies, systemic rheumatic and other autoimmune diseases) develop severe neoehrlichios. Our goal is to increase the knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of neoehrlichios with a focus on the infectious cycle in vascular endothelia cells and the role of B-cells in this infection, including the development of autoimmunity and malignant transformation of B-cells.

Job assignments

Since there are no animal models for neoehrlichios all experimental work is based on studies of infected endothelial cell lines and tissue biopsies and analysis of antibodies and B cells from patients. How the infection activates/damages endothelial cells is investigated by using flow cytometry, FISH, ELISA/multiplex-kits, and metabolomics. B-cell populations, their molecular patterns, receptor usage and clonality are studied by flow cytometry, Helios masscytometry and sequencing. Planning, execution and evaluation of experimental work is done independently and in collaboration with members of the research group as well as with other scientific collaborators.

Eligibility

An achieved doctoral degree is compulsory for a position as postdoctor at Göteborg University. The doctoral thesis shall be in a relevant area according to the specific position stated here. Since a position as postdoctor aims to give new holders of the doctorate the opportunity mainly to strengthen and develop their scholarly proficiency, we aim for those who have a doctoral degree not older than 3 years counting from last date of application.

The qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 – 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Assessment

We are looking for a responsible person with a strong commitment to science. Experience and skills of working with cells and immunological methods are required, as is theoretical expertise within areas relevant to the project, such as cell biology, immunology and/or microbiology. Good collaborative skills and oral as well as written proficiency in English are also mandatory. Selected applicants will be interviewed and asked to present their earlier scientific work.

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 – 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Employment

The employment is full time and temporary, two years, with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed.

For further information:

Please contact: Christine Wennerås. Professor and senior consultant, cell phone + 46 708 65 61 67, christine.wenneras@microbio.gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

How to apply

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Closing date: 2021-10-19

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Salary is determined on an individual basis.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.

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