Vacant job

University of Gothenburg meets society's challenges with diverse knowledge. With 58,000 students and 6,800 employees, the university is 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, the University of Gothenburg contributes to a better future.

The Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, conducts translational research primarily focused 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 body's largest accumulations of both bacteria and immune cells are found in the intestines. They are separated by a single layer of epithelial cells. Mucus secreted by goblet cells forms an additional protective barrier on top of the epithelium. Mucin glycoproteins are the central component of this barrier. However, mucus is far from sterile. Sugar molecules on mucin proteins constitute a key energy source for certain bacteria and also bind to bacteriophages.

Our research group uses clinical cohorts and mechanistic models to study:

• How diet and gut physiology affect interactions between phages, bacteria, and the human host at the intestinal mucosal interface.
• How a disrupted interaction between phages, bacteria, and the human immune system can contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation in connection with intestinal diseases and metabolic conditions.

The overall goal of the research is to develop targeted, diet-based interventions to strengthen the gut barrier and restore balance in the interaction with microorganisms in the intestinal mucosa.

Job Description

As a researcher, you will study bacterial and viral translocation, as well as immune responses, in endoscopic tissue samples from individuals with various intestinal diseases, using methods such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemistry, and qPCR. You will also test mechanistic hypotheses in in vitro systems. You will collaborate closely with clinicians, bioinformaticians, and molecular biologists in a multidisciplinary team to explore hypotheses central to the group's research focus.

Qualifications

Requirements

For this position, you must hold a PhD in the biomedical field.

Merits

Experience in research within the physiology and pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as analysis of human samples, particularly biopsies, is considered a merit. Experience with methods such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemistry and/or immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and cell culture is also desirable. Furthermore, experience working in a multidisciplinary research environment and in an international research environment with English as the working language is considered a merit.

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. Very good collaboration skills and communication skills in English, both spoken and written, are also central to the role. We place great emphasis on personal suitability.

Employment

Employment type: Fixed-term employment, 5 months
Scope: 100 %
Location: Department of Medicine, Gothenburg
Start date: As soon as possible or by agreement

Contact Information

Karolina Sjöberg Jabbar
Assistant Professor
0730-93 28 47
[email protected]

Malin Levin
Division Director
[email protected]

Trade Unions

You can find trade union representatives at the University of Gothenburg here: https://www.gu.se/jobba-hos-oss/sa-blir-du-en-av-oss#kollektivavtal-och-fackliga-foretradare (https://www.gu.se/jobba-hos-oss/sa-blir-du-en-av-oss#kollektivavtal-och-fackliga-foretradare)

Application

You apply for the position via the University of Gothenburg'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 the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it is at the university's disposal no later than the last application date.

Please include:

• Diploma for doctoral degree
• CV
• Cover letter

Application deadline: 2026-06-08

The University actively works for a working environment with equal conditions and values the qualities that diversity brings to the operations. The University applies individual salary setting. According to the National Archives' regulations, the University is required to keep application documents for two years after the appointment decision. If you as an applicant specifically request your documents back, they will be returned when the two years have elapsed; otherwise, they will be destroyed. To staffing and recruitment agencies and to you who are salespeople: The University of Gothenburg uses a procured advertising agency in connection with the recruitment of staff. We kindly but firmly decline direct contact with staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sellers of job advertisements.