1-2 Postdoctoral Researchers in characterization of the immuno-oxylipidome in atherosclerosis

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is, the leading cause of mortality and a major cause of morbidity in Europe, affecting the lives of over 49 million people and costing €200 billion to the EU economy. The dysregulated chronic inflammation behind atherosclerotic CVD and its cardiovascular consequences are largely caused by a failure in the resolution of inflammation. The Unit of Integrative Metabolomics and the Translational Cardiology group and are seeking 1-2 postdoctoral fellows to work in the framework of the recently funded HORIZON project “CARE-IN-HEALTH (2023-2027). The ambition of the CARE-IN-HEALTH project is to take the chronic inflammation concept to the next level: Resolution-health. The project goal is to enable a paradigm shift in staying healthy via promotion of the resolution of inflammation. The main aim is to identify the resolution of the chronic lipid-driven/-regulated vascular inflammation. These efforts will include developing and testing tools for use in health care to maintain health through resolution of the chronic inflammation driving the health-to-cardiovascular disease (CVD) transition. The project will employ mass spectrometry to analyze samples from observational cohorts and clinical trials to create a comprehensive oxylipidomic map of the inflammatory component in the health-to-CVD transition. This information will be used to distinguish between resolving and non-resolving inflammation and to identify signature lipid markers to be applied for early detection, diagnosis, risk stratification and prevention of CVD.

Your mission

We have an opening for 1-2 individuals wishing to join this translational and multidisciplinary research team with the overarching aim to understand the role of oxylipin lipid mediators in the health-to-disease transition. Focus will be placed upon oxylipins produced from polyunsaturated fatty acids, including octadecanoids, eicosanoids, and docosanoids in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The research scope will include applying existing mass spectrometry-based methods as well as developing new protocols to quantify specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) and related molecules. Analyses will involve applying these methods in both clinical samples and experimental models to map the biochemical role of oxylipins in health and disease. These data will be used in the overall project aim to draw a personalized blueprint of chronic inflammation in the health-to-disease transition, map the lipid immune landscape, and understand the role of lipids in maintaining an individual’s cardiovascular health.

Your profile

We are looking for motivated candidates with a Ph.D. in mass spectrometry or bioanalytical chemistry. The successful candidate will be expected to use and further develop mass spectrometry-based methods. Accordingly, applicants must document their experience in small molecule mass spectrometry by LC-MS/MS. Previous experience working with bioactive lipid mediators in inflammatory systems is considered a merit. Excellent communication skills and an ability to interact socially and scientifically with other members of the laboratory and with collaborators in various networks are essential. A person is eligible for a position as a postdoctoral researcher if she or he 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?

We offer a creative and inspiring environment full of expertise and curiosity. The research environment includes working with state-of-the-art equipment, including multiple mass spectrometers in a new custom designed state-of-the art analytical facility. The Karolinska Institute is one of the world´s leading medical universities. Its mission is to contribute to the improvement of human health through research and education. 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. The successful applicant will belong to the Unit of Integrative Metabolomics in the Institute for Environmental Medicine and the Translational Cardiology Group. This full-time position is temporary (two years), with potential for renewal for at least 2 more years.

Location: Solna

For additional details of the research teams:

https://ki.se/en/imm/unit-of-integrative-metabolomics

https://www.cmm.ki.se/web/guest/magnus-back-group

http://www.metabolomics.se/

Application

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

A complete resumé, including date of the thesis defense, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
A cover letter
References

The start date is negotiable, but the selected candidate would ideally begin as soon as possible. Applications will be evaluated as they are received.

Welcome to apply at the latest December 31st, 2022.

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