Vacant job

Gothenburg University meets societal challenges with versatile knowledge. 58,000 students and 6,800 employees make the university a large and inspiring workplace. Strong research and attractive education attract researchers and students from all over the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, Gothenburg University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, conducts translational research primarily on metabolism, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease with the aim of improving health and healthcare in society. The overall goal is to create an excellent translational research environment of very high international standard.

The intestines contain the body's largest accumulations of both bacteria and immune cells. The interplay between bacteria and immune cells in the gut can therefore have significant implications for the onset of inflammation and thus affect the risk of diseases both within and outside the gut. A protective layer of mucus in the colon separates bacteria and immune cells and thus prevents inflammation. However, mucus also serves as a source of nutrition and energy for certain bacteria. Preliminary experimental studies have shown that bacterial degradation of mucus in the gut increases with low fiber intake. Here, we aim to map the relationship between fiber intake, mucus degradation, and the permeability of the intestinal mucosa to bacteria, viruses, and bacteriophages.

We will also study the immune response locally and systemically, as well as the impact on metabolic factors. A long-term goal of the research is to find strategies to prevent gastrointestinal diseases and cardiovascular diseases through specific dietary advice and tailored fiber supplements that promote a favorable bacterial composition, optimal barrier function in the intestinal mucosa, and good health.

We hope you want to be a part of our multidisciplinary research group. You are warmly welcome to apply!

Responsibilities

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will work with the preparation and analysis of intestinal biopsies and serum samples to study the connection between local and systemic inflammatory processes, the metabolism of the gut microbiota, and the integrity of the mucus barrier. Methods such as immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry will be used. Other tasks that may be relevant include culturing anaerobic bacteria for in vitro validation, testing hypotheses in animal models, and analyzing data from metagenomic sequencing using the programming language R.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Master's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or equivalent.
• Previous laboratory experience.

Desirable experience includes:

• culturing bacteria, especially anaerobic
• research in metabolism, gastrointestinal diseases, or cardiovascular diseases
• immunohistochemistry
• flow cytometry
• clinical studies
• working with animal models
• the programming language R
• working in an international research environment with English as the working language

Personal qualities

We are looking for someone who is structured and quality-conscious in their work, but also flexible and proactive, with good problem-solving analytical skills. Good ability to collaborate and communicate in English, both spoken and written, is also central to the role. We place great emphasis on personal suitability.

Employment

Employment type: Fixed-term employment, 4 months.
Extent: 100%.
Location: Department of Medicine, Gothenburg.
Start date: As soon as possible

Contact information for the position

Karolina Sjöberg Jabbar
Assistant Lecturer
+46 (0) 0730–932847
[email protected]

Malin Levin
Department Head/Professor
[email protected]

Trade unions

Union representatives at Gothenburg University can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande (https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande)

Application

You apply for the position via Gothenburg University's recruitment portal by registering your application electronically via the website: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-anstallningar (https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-anstallningar). As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it is submitted to the university no later than the application deadline.

Please include:

1. Degree certificate for master's degree
2. CV, including two references
3. Cover letter

The application must be submitted by: 2026-02-17

The university actively works for a work environment with equal conditions and values the qualities that diversity brings to the organization.

The university applies individual salary setting.

According to the National Archives' regulations, the university is obliged to store application documents for two years after the appointment decision. If you, as an applicant for a position, specifically request the return of your documents, they will be sent back after the two years have elapsed; otherwise, they will be discarded.

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