Postdoctoral studies in immunology with focus on regulation of B cells and Macrophages in autoimmune disease (scholarship) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to future treatments of autoimmune disease?

In our research group we focus on investigating how B cell tolerance is broken to allow for production of autoantibodies that drives disease. We are studying how B cell interactions with innate immune cells including NKT cells, Macrophages and Neutrophils influence autoantibody production in connection to SLE and the comorbidity atherosclerosis. We have made several discoveries that we are now expanding on, including interactions between Neutrophils and NKT cells in the regulation of B cells (PNAS. 2020 21;117 and Nat. Immunol. 2016 12:1407). The focus now is how to modify these mechanisms for treatment purposes and find out which disease mechanisms that can be targeted.

Division and research group

Prof. Mikael Karlssons group is located at the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at Karolinska Institutet, in Solna (Biomedicum). The department conducts research and teaching in immunology, infectious biology, cell biology and cancer. Our keywords are interdisciplinary, clinically based basic research and national and international cooperation.

Duties and description of the project

The postdoc will focus on to understand how B cells interact with innate immune cells during the initial steps of activation and how this can lead to break of tolerance. We have recently generated novel mouse strains that are yet to be published and the postdoc will use these to study B cell activation. This includes conditional targeting of innate immune recognition pathways in macrophages and neutrophils as well as lineage tracing of regulatory B cells. Besides in vivo models the lab has experience in working with in vitro models for B cell activation and regulation as well as using patient material to verify findings. Findings in patients can also be further be tested in the in vivo models where we also aim to develop B cell specific treatments for autoimmunity. The project is done part in collaboration with UCL in Great Britain, Harvard University in the US and University of Toronto in Canada and the postdoc will interact with these institutions as well have the possibility to travel there.

Entry requirements

• Candidates should have a strong background in immunology and demonstrate a promising publication record with at least one first-author peer-reviewed publication.
• Proficiency in multi-parameter flow cytometry and mouse cancer models is a requirement.
• Skills in bioinformatics and cell culture experience is an advantage.
• The candidate should be self-motivated, have good communication skills and ability to interact effectively and work productively in a team. Emphasis in the recruitment will be on personal suitability.

Scholarships for postdoctoral qualification can be established for foreign researchers who place their qualifications in Sweden. The purpose of scholarships for postdoctoral qualification is to promote internationalization and contribute to research qualification after a doctorate or equivalent. A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent.
To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a doctorate or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate. 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) start date of the post doctoral education.

The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish doctorate or higher.

Location: Solna

Type of scholarship

The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

Application process

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

• A complete curriculum vitae, 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 on the Varbi recruitment system.

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