Postdoctoral studies in single-cell and spatial proteotranscriptomics and computational biology (scholarship)

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research? 

A postdoctoral position to study the proteotranscriptomic 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 Professor Eduardo Villablanca, who is a renowned leader in mucosal immunology. 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.

Duties

We are seeking a Computational Biologist at post-doctoral level. The main duties include bioinformatics analysis with particular focus in RNA-seq, single cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics analysis. An interest in data visualization and big data analysis is a plus. The applicant is expected to have a strong interest in mucosal immunology. The applicant will work in close collaboration with other PhD students, postdocs and researchers. The applicant is expected to actively participate in other lab projects and present results to general and specialized audiences. An interest in the application of machine learning approaches is also desirable.

The duties also include: 

• Data QC, data management and archival storage
• Analysis of large datasets, preparation of codes, development of new methods/tools for advanced analysis of datasets
• Support the ongoing research in the group, help write papers, grants and scientific meeting presentations
• Shape, develop and maintain the current computing resources of the group 

Entry requirements

The successful candidate has a solid background in bioinformatics, statistics and computational biology, good expertise in statistical and bioinformatics software, and an ability to work in a multidisciplinary research environment. The individual should be highly motivated and be able to work independently, while being able to communicate effectively with other members of the team.

A proven publication record in well-regarded journals is advantageous. Outstanding programming skills in at least R, Matlab, Python, Perl or other mathematical software/programming languages is required.

Qualified candidates should also meet the following requirements:

• A Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in immunology or computational biology.
• Outstanding creative thinking, problem solving, motivation, persistence as well as personal initiative and communication skills
• Independent work at the laboratory as well as extensive collaboration with clinicians and other experimental groups
• Excellent molecular and cell biology as well as microbiology skills and strong background in mucosal immunology
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Fluency in both oral and written English is necessary

Postdoctoral scholarships may be established for foreign researchers who pursue their postdoctoral research 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.

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Here, we conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Several of the people you meet in healthcare are educated at KI. A close relationship with the health care providers is important for creating groundbreaking top quality education and research. Students and employees have free access to our modern gym facilities with trained staff on site.

Location

The position is located within the Department of Medicine, Solna. The department consists of ten divisions and each division consists of several research groups. The position is located within the research group lead by Associate Professor Eduardo Villablanca at the Immunology and Respiratory Medicine division. Our research group 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). 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. Professor Villablanca serves as co-director of the single cell RNAseq core at the Center of Molecular Medicine (CMM) and leads the bioinformatics group within the mucosal immunology lab.

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)
• Verification from the thesis defense committee or the equivalent (only if the thesis defense is scheduled within three months after the application deadline)
• Two reference letters 

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

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