Postdoctoral studies in glycobiology of the intestinal mucosal (scholarship) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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The Department of Medicine, Solna, is one of the largest departments at Karolinska Institutet. The department consists of several divisions that are separated into different research groups. The core activities of the department are research, doctoral education and undergraduate education for medical and biomedical students. The research has three main profiles: allergy, cardiovascular medicine and inflammatory diseases.

Division

The Division of Immunology and Respiratory Medicine at the Department of Medicine, Solna performs research on different aspect of allergy and autoimmune diseases. Our research group (PI: Eduardo Villablanca) will start a new project focused on understanding the glycobiological mechanisms underlying the homeostatic or pathological interactions between the microbiota and the host, in the context of mucosal immunology. In particular, we aim to map glycosylation at the host-bug interface in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). The project has an emphasis on the identification of glycobiological mechanisms involving the immune cell network and microbial interactions in the intestinal mucosal barrier. Methodologically, in vitro and in vivo approaches using experimental models and patient material will be used. Our group works in an inspiring and interactive research environment at the Karolinska University, Solna and has ongoing collaborative projects with national and international colleagues.

Duties

The intricate relationship between the host and microbes is essential for maintaining gut homeostasis, and its disruption is a hallmark of diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Central to this crosstalk are glycosylated molecules, that by being decoded by lectins can play a pivotal role in host-microbiota recognition and the initiation of signaling cascades that shape mucosal immunity and disease outcomes. However, how different biological contexts influence glycan-encoded signals at a cellular, protein and transcriptional-specific level remains poorly understood. The goal of this project is to map the glycosylation-lectin landscape at the host-microbiota interface in IBD and CRC, elucidating the glycan-lectin-mediated mechanisms that regulate mucosal homeostasis and disease progression. The successful candidate will first characterize and analyze glycans, lectins and gut immune cell spatial network changes using different IBD or CRC mouse models. The candidate will also generate strategies to reveal the potential cellular and molecular impact of those interactions on clinical outcomes of IBD and CRC patients, using human samples.

In summary, our proposal aims to understand the mechanisms of intestinal homeostasis and the consequences of its disruption at the glycobiological level. This new knowledge will provide insights into the complex spatial interplay between the host-microbiota glycan-lectin interactions that will contribute to the development of innovative glycan-targeted therapies to improve outcomes for IBD and CRC patients.

Entry requirements

Our lab has an opening for a highly 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 glycobiology/immunology, animal models of IBD and CRC, organoid culture in vitro, lectin staining and multi-parameter flow cytometry in the context of mucosal immunology. The candidate is expected to work with mouse models of intestinal inflammation and colorectal cancer and must be able to handle human samples.

Experience in bioinformatics 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 necessary. Documented ability to analyze and present results orally and written is important.

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. Persons who are resident in Sweden and/or have carried out all or part of their academic education at KI or some other educational institution in Sweden cannot be considered for scholarships from KI.

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 of Eduardo Villablanca.

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)
•  Verifications for crediting of illness, military service, work for labour unions or student organizations, parental leave or similar circumstances
• Verification from the thesis defense committee or the equivalent (only if the thesis defense is scheduled within three months after the application deadline) 

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

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