Postdoctoral studies in Microbiota's Role in Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Disorders: Focus on Enterococcus faecalis and Dinitrosyl Iron Complexes (scholarship)

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At the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Professors Mattias Carlström and Jon Lundberg are leading groundbreaking research on the regulation of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in cardiovascular disease, which often coexists with kidney disease and diabetes mellitus. Specifically, their team focuses on exploring the therapeutic potential of innovative dietary and pharmacological strategies to reduce oxidative stress and restore nitric oxide bioavailability in cardiometabolic disorders. A key area of interest is dietary supplementation with inorganic nitrate, naturally found in high concentrations in many vegetables. With the aid of oral commensal bacteria, nitrate is reduced to nitrite, boosting nitric oxide production. Additionally, emerging research highlights the critical role of disrupted oral and gut microbiota in the development and progression of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) disorders.

Division

Our division is dedicated to understanding the regulation of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic functions, and how these systems interact in both health and disease. By integrating preclinical and clinical studies, we aim to generate functional and mechanistic insights that are directly applicable to human health, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for all.

Research Team and Methodological Approaches

The Research Team, along with their collaborative partners, employs an advanced methodological platform and a comprehensive translational research approach. Their work spans from in vitro cell and bacteria studies to ex vivo functional experiments on isolated vessels and organs, as well as in vivo studies in animal models of disease and clinical trials involving both healthy individuals and patients with cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic disorders. These translational studies are complemented by detailed biochemical analyses of molecular and cellular markers of oxidative stress, nitric oxide bioactivity, inflammation, and tissue or cellular injury.

Research Project

In this postdoctoral research project, the fellow will explore how changes in gut and oral microbiota (both diversity and composition) contribute to the onset and progression of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome. Specific bacterial species, such as Enterococcus faecalis, will be studied in detail to understand their role and regulation in this context. Moreover, the project aims to deepen our mechanistic insight into how different commensal bacteria influence the formation of bioactive nitrogen oxide species and how these species are transported from the gastrointestinal tract to the systemic circulation.

Duties

Description of duties and areas of responsibility

• Plan, manage and conduct an agreed academic research project and associated activities.
• Test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate.
• Develop research questions, analyse detailed and complex qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources, and contribute original ideas for new research projects.
• Coordinate multiple aspects of work to deliver novel research data in accordance with established timelines set between you and the Principal Investigator.
• Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols to support research.
• Regularly write research articles at an international level for peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and reviews.
• Formally present your research and represent the research group at internal, national and international conferences and meetings, either with other members of the team or alone.
• Informally present your research to the group at established meetings.
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.

Entry requirements

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: Biomedicum, 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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