Postdoctoral Researcher in

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

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Group Melen

“Group Melén” is led by professor Erik Melén, pediatric allergist and epidemiologist. Our research is focused on advancing knowledge about disease etiology and prognosis using a translational approach; from genetics, immunology and mechanisms to environmental and lifestyle factors. Clinically, the group has a major focus on asthma, allergies and lung function. Molecular biomarkers, including metabolomics, and immune phenotyping methods are used to assess interactions between environmental and hereditary factors, as well as to better characterize environmental exposure and health effects. Many projects are conducted in international collaboration.

Duties

This project proposal aims at combining metabolomic, genetics and environmental exposure data to identify relevant biomarkers and omics profiles that characterize respiratory and allergic disease in childhood and adulthood. Asthma and COPD are common diseases affecting around 10% of the population. These diseases are comprised of several different endotypes and manifests as different phenotypes. However, the underlying pathophysiology associated with these clinical phenotypes are not well studied, and there is an unmet need to identify useful biomarkers that can guide follow-up programs and tailor treatment. The projects in this postdoctoral program are partly funded by the EU project EXPANSE as well as national grants, and will be conducted within our on-going population-based birth cohort BAMSE (https://ki.se/en/imm/bamse-project). Replication attempts, when applicable, will be done in independent cohorts.

The postdoc will take the leading role in performing advanced statistical data analyses to explore metabolomics, genetics, proteomics as well as exposure and clinical data in the project. The student will apply an integrated omics approach also using other available data in the BAMSE study. Causal modelling approaches will be used.

Entry requirements

e are looking for a researcher with a genuine interest in medical research, molecular epidemiology and problem solving who would join our team in exploring the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms in respiratory disease.

The candidate should possess a PhD degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. epidemiology, statistics, medicine, biomedicine, molecular biology, pharmacy). 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.

The successful candidate has a genuine interest in research and an inner drive to understand biological problems as well as clinical relevance. Previous research in the respiratory field is a requirement. The candidate is expected to use a wide range of methods used in molecular epidemiology and biostatistics. Experience with omics data, in particular proteomics and metabolomics data, environmental epidemiology analyses (in particular air pollution data), biostatistics (analyses of cross-sectional and longitudinal health outcome data, interactions, pathway analysis, high level of proficiency in R, STATA etc) and large-scale data management is a requirement.

The work requires a good collaboration ability, the ability to solve problems and openness to learn new methods as well as ability to supervise students/colleagues. An excellent knowledge of English language, both oral and written, is required.

Key criteria:

• Relevant scientific competence and skills
• Relevant work experience in the respiratory field
• Previous publications in the field
• Personal suitability
• Language skills and communication skills 

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. As a postdoctoral researcher you are offered an individual research project, a well-educated supervisor, a vast range of elective courses and the opportunity to work in a leading research group. Karolinska Institutet collaborates with prominent universities from all around the world, which ensures opportunities for international exchanges. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will receive monthly salary according to Karolinska Institutet’s policy. You will also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

The time period is 2 years, starting February 1st 2025

Location: SÖS

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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)

Welcome to apply at the latest 2024-11-08

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

Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.

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