Postdoctoral Researcher to study the genetic-environment crosstalk leading to the pathogenesis of IBD - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

A postdoctoral position to investigate the role of genetic-environment interactions in Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is available in the laboratory of Dr. Eduardo Villablanca at the Allergy and Immunology Division, Department of Medicine Solna (MedS). Dr. Villablanca is a renowned leader in mucosal immunology (Twitter @ejvillablanca). His group is developing novel in vivo tools to study the function of genetic loci associated with IBD in the presence or absence of environmental challenges. By using zebrafish IBD reporters we seek to identify environmental compounds that modulate IBD-related biological processes in vivo, and eventually translate this knowledge to mouse models and humans. Dr. Villablanca´s group works in an inspiring and interactive research environment at the Karolinska University, Solna, and offers the possibility to participate actively in ongoing collaborative projects with national and international colleagues.

Your mission

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder, which incidence and prevalence are increasing around the globe and yet there is no available curative therapy. Although the etiology of IBD remains unknown, it is proposed that involves the complex interaction between host genetics, environment, intestinal barrier function and immunity. However, deciphering the causative roles of these factors in IBD etiology is still a major challenge, due to the lack of in vivo model systems that allow the combination of multiple factors (e.g. genetics and environment) in a relatively inexpensive manner. Therefore, in order to provide the needed knowledge, it is desirable to develop high-throughput in vivo systems in which is possible to combine genetics, immunity and environmental factors and at the same time recapitulate the complexity of the system. The goal of this project is to establish a zebrafish-based in vivo platform to study genetic-environment interactions in the onset of IBD pathogenesis. The candidate will work with zebrafish reporters carrying IBD-risk polymorphisms, that will allow the visualization of IBD-associated biological processes upon challenge with combinations of environmental factors. This methodological solution seeks to facilitate future in vivo and high-throughput screenings to study the relationship between genetic and environmental factors in IBD and other multifactorial pathologies.

Your profile

Our lab is looking for a creative and motivated postdoctoral scientist with an interest in mucosal immunology. We look for a candidate with proficiency and documented laboratory research experience, particularly in zebrafish manipulation and techniques, molecular biology, and in vivo imaging. The candidate is expected to work extensively with zebrafish. However, work in mouse models of intestinal inflammation may be expected for data validation.

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 other experimental groups. Fluency in both oral and written English is required. Documented ability to analyze and present results orally and written is important.

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?

A creative and inspiring environment full of expertise and curiosity. 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 a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is a state university, which entitles to several benefits such as extended holiday and generous occupational pension. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free 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 Associate Professor Dr. Eduardo Villablanca, located at the Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital. Dr. Villablanca’s group is focused in studying key pathways and mechanisms involved in the initiation and resolution of IBD, to eventually develop new therapeutic approaches to treat intestinal autoimmune disorders. The group is composed by a multidisciplinary group of researchers, including biologists, clinicians, and bioinformaticians. For more information please visit www.villablancalab.com.

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.

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