Postdoctoral fellow – Investigating the anti-infective potential of gut metabolites in organoid infection models
Uppsala University, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology
Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of around SEK 7 billion.
The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM) at Uppsala University provides a broad international environment for research and teaching. The Department’s research covers three collaborative and partially integrated sections: Cancer, infections and immunity as well as genetics and genomics. More info: http://www.imbim.uu.se/research-areas/.
Project description: The Sellin research group at IMBIM, Uppsala University and SciLifeLab, here seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join the laboratory. The group investigates the interactions between invasive enterobacteria, such as Salmonella and Shigella species, and the mammalian intestinal tissue (see www.sellinlab.se). Current research in the group includes infection studies in miniature cultured versions of the mammalian intestine (so called organoids), which can be generated in 2D and 3D from mouse or human intestinal epithelial stem cells.
In this project, the post-doctoral fellow will study how invasive enterobacteria (e.g. the prototype pathogen Salmonella Typhimurium) invade the intestinal epithelium and elicit host responses, and how prevalent gut metabolites can inhibit/modulate these processes. A strong methodological focus lies in high-throughput microscopy techniques to follow the infection over time in 2D and 3D organoid models and in epithelial cell line cultures grown in multi well format. Moreover, the project profits from collaborations with biological chemists at the D. Globisch laboratory, Uppsala University (https://www.kemi.uu.se/bmc/research/analytical-chemistry/research-groups/biomarker-discovery), for biomolecule screening, identification and chemical synthesis. The goal of the project is to explain how the biochemical conditions in the gut niche fosters or prevents invasive enterobacterial behavior, and to identify specific anti-infective molecules derived from homeostatic gut metabolism. The project has received competitive funding from the Swedish Foundation for Strategical Research´s “Future Research Leaders program” for the years 2020-2025.
Duties: The candidate will conduct research within the given area. Substantial freedom is given for the candidate to develop the project in the most productive direction. Other departmental tasks, for example engagement in teaching, may be included to a minor extent if this is the wish of the candidate.
Formal requirements and evaluation: The candidate should hold a PhD degree with a focus on mammalian cell biology, microbiology, infection biology, or a related topic. Practical and theoretical experience with advanced tissue culture, organotypic culture models, handling of infectious bacteria, and/or high-resolution light microscopy are regarded as particular strengths. The candidate is expected to both take own initiatives and collaborate with other group members, as well as external cooperators. In the evaluation process, the scientific potential of the candidate will constitute the main criterium. Finally, significant weight will be given to personal suitability.
Eligibility: For employment as postdoc, the applicant should have a PhD exam or an international equivalent within a maximum of three years before the final application date. During certain circumstances, an earlier PhD can be acceptable. Certain circumstances include leave due to illness, maternity leave, in trade unions, etc.
Salary: Individual.
Starting date: As soon as possible or by arrangement.
Type of employment: Full-time, temporary position for a period of two years.
Scope of employment: 100%.
Information is provided by: Associate professor/Senior lecturer Mikael Sellin, mikael.sellin@imbim.uu.se, +46739135253.
Welcome with your application by June 30, 2021, UFV-PA 2021/2060.
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| Type of employment | Temporary position longer than 6 months |
|---|---|
| Contract type | Full time |
| First day of employment | As soon as possible or as otherwise agreed |
| Salary | Individual salary |
| Number of positions | 1 |
| Working hours | 100 % |
| City | Uppsala |
| County | Uppsala län |
| Country | Sweden |
| Reference number | UFV-PA 2021/2060 |
| Union representative | Saco-rådet, saco@uadm.uu.se ST/TCO, tco@fackorg.uu.se Seko Universitetsklubben, seko@uadm.uu.se |
| Published | 27.May.2021 |
| Last application date | 30.Jun.2021 11:59 PM CET |