Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

A postdoctoral position to study the transcriptomic landscape of intestinal tissue regeneration, with clear implications for intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). The position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Eduardo Villablanca, who is a renowned leader in mucosal immunology (twitter @ejvillablanca). The candidate will be part of a research program that integrate experimental models, patient material and cutting-edge technologies (spatial and single cell transcriptomics) to understand how intestinal homeostasis is maintained and how breakdown in these processes might lead to IBD or CRC

Your mission

Beside “gut-centric” conditions, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), emerging evidence indicate that disruption of intestinal homeostasis have systemic consequences. Hence, understanding the gut as a place of immune cell education will give us important insights into the etiology of diseases, including extra-intestinal disorders. Published data indicates that IBD risk polymorphisms target intestinal barrier functions, which result in increased susceptibility to intestinal inflammation. Therefore, we will study the link between barrier dysfunction and the generation of adaptive immune responses to commensal bacteria.

Using mouse models, we will investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms whereby commensal-specific T cells are generated and potential therapies to promote intestinal barrier functions. This new knowledge will provide much-needed insights into aspects of intestinal homeostasis that may lead to novel cellular therapies to treat IBD. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to work independently, to take the responsibilities of the design, execution, organization, report and development of the research project.

Your profile

Our lab has an opening for a highly creative and motivated postdoctoral scientist with an interest in mucosal immunology. We look for a candidate with documented laboratory research experience particularly in mouse models of intestinal inflammation, human myeloid cells and CD4+ T cells biology, culture in vitro and multi-parameter flow cytometry in the context of mucosal immunology. Experience in bioinformatics and RNA-seq analysis would be an advantage. The position will require independent work at the laboratory as well as extensive collaboration with clinicians and other experimental groups. Fluency in both oral and written English is necessary. Documented ability to analyze and present results orally and written is important. Additional requirements include outstanding communications skills and the ability to generate new ideas and innovate

Qualified to be employed as a postdoctor is one who has obtained a doctorate or has equivalent scientific competence. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) date of employment. This must be substantiated by the applicant's main supervisor, director or equivalent.

What do we offer?

Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is a state university, which entitles employees to several benefits such as extended holiday and a generous occupational pension. Employees also have free access to our modern gym and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Location

The position is located within the Department of Medicine, Solna. The department consists of twelve divisions and each division consists of several research groups. The position is located within the research group of Eduardo Villablanca at the Immunology and Allergy Unit. Our research group (PI: Eduardo Villablanca) will investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the establishment of intestinal homeostasis and how breakdown of these mechanisms might lead to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Our group works in an inspiring and interactive research environment at the Karolinska University, Solna and has ongoing collaborative projects with national and international colleagues.

To tackle these questions, Eduardo’s team are using Single Cell RNA-Sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to generate a comprehensive transcriptomic landscape of the intestinal tissue during the reestablishment of intestinal homeostasis upon damage. We are closely collaborating with the clinics to translate our findings from experimental models.

https://ki.se/en/meds/research-group-eduardo-villablanca-immunology-and-allergy

 

--- [Video about a Karolinska Institutet, how we work towards "a better health for all"] --

Application

An employment application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

  • A complete resumé, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
  • A complete list of publications
  • A summary of current work (no more than one page)
 

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

 

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Stockholm
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number STÖD 2-5211/2020
Contact
  • Eduardo Villablanca, eduardo.villablanca@ki.se
Union representative
  • Bruna Gigante, SACO, bruna.gigante@ki.se
  • Afsar Rahbar OFR, Afsar.Rahbar@ki.se
  • Louisa Cheung, SACO, Louisa.Cheung@ki.se
Published 03.Dec.2020
Last application date 13.Dec.2020 11:59 PM CET

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