We are looking for a driven and motivated researcher at the postdoctoral level to join Oskar Eriksson’s research group at the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, located at the Rudbeck Laboratory in Uppsala. The research in the group is very translational and aims to better understand how the innate immune system and the complement system contribute to disease development. The main aim of this postdoctoral project is to investigate endothelial cell-specific expression of complement factors and its significance for cardiovascular disease.
The Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology at Uppsala University has a broad research profile with strong research groups focused on cancer, autoimmune and genetic diseases. A fundamental idea at the department is to stimulate translational research and thereby closer interactions between medical research and health care. Research is presently conducted in the following areas: medical and clinical genetics, clinical immunology, pathology, neuro biology, neuro-oncology, vascular biology, radiation science and molecular tools. Department activities are also integrated with the units for Oncology, Clinical Genetics, Clinical Immunology, Clinical Pathology, and Hospital Physics at Akademiska sjukhuset, Uppsala. The department has teaching assignments in several education programmes, including Master Programmes, at the Faculty of Medicine, and at the Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology. The department has a yearly turnover of around SEK 500 million, out of which more than half is made up of external funding. The staff amounts to approximately 345 employees, out of which 100 are PhD-students, and there are in total more than 700 affiliated people. Feel free to read more about the department’s activities here: https://www.uu.se/en/department/immunology-genetics-and-pathology Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University
Duties
A position as postdoctoral fellow is available in Oskar Eriksson’s newly established research group at the Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology. The group’s research is focused on translational studies of the complement system and the innate immune system (https://www.uu.se/en/department/immunology-genetics-and-pathology/research/vascular-biology/oskar-eriksson).
The current project will investigate endothelial cell-specific expression of complement factors and their function in endothelial activation and blood clotting. The project will use a combination of wet lab methods and analysis of publicly available RNAseq and proteomics datasets. It will also be possible to verify experimental findings in clinical materials.
Tasks in the project will include cultivation of endothelial cell lines and endothelial cells from various human tissues, as well as mapping and phenotypic characterization of expressed complement factors. Cell analysis methods such as flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy will be used. The project will also include recombinant protein expression and purification of proteins and antibodies from plasma. An important aim of the project will be to establish a cell-based screening model for complement and coagulation activation on the endothelial cell surface. As a postdoctoral fellow you will also be expected to assist in the supervision of master students and doctoral students.
The research group has several national and international collaborations that can be developed further as part of the project. There is also the possibility to develop the project according to one’s own skills and interest.
Requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated person with a PhD in medicine or biology relevant to the project. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.
A solid scientific background marked by conference presentations and scientific publications and/or preprints is required. The applicant must have very good knowledge of spoken and written English. Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as flexibility, accuracy, and the ability to work both independently and in a group.
Additional qualifications
Solid general experience with cell culture, and molecular biology and protein chemistry techniques is advantageous, as is previous research in endothelial cell biology and experience with cellular overexpression and perturbation models. It is also advantageous to have previous experience of analysis and statistical processing of public RNAseq and proteomics datasets.
Application
The application must contain a CV, copy of PhD exam, personal letter, names and contact details of two reference persons, a brief research narrative describing your research experience (max 2 pages), and a list of publications.
About the position
The employment is a 2 year temporary position, with the possibility of a 1 year extension. Scope of employment 100%, Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.
For further information about the position, please contact: Oskar Eriksson, oskar.eriksson@igp.uu.se
Please submit your application by 12 March 2025, UFV-PA 2025/276.
