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Gothenburg University meets society's challenges with versatile 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, Gothenburg University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology conducts high-quality research and education in chemical sciences and molecular life sciences. Our research and education focus on a deep understanding of chemical and biological processes in cells and the environment. We are responsible for doctoral education in the subject area of Natural Sciences with a focus on chemistry, biophysics, biology, and educational science. In addition, the department hosts educational programs in molecular biology, genomics and systems biology, chemistry, organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry, as well as the pharmacy program. The department is an international environment with interdisciplinary collaborations in both research and education, and contributes significantly to Gothenburg University's top ranking in life sciences. The department's activities are conducted at Natrium, Medicinareberget in Gothenburg.

Kaisa Thorell's group studies Helicobacter pylori and host-pathogen interactions with a focus on bioinformatic analysis of bacterial omics data. H. pylori is a bacterium that chronically colonizes the stomach of about half the world's population and can cause stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. Antibiotic resistance in H. pylori is increasing rapidly, and more knowledge is needed regarding its ability to cause disease and how it interacts with the gastric mucosa.

Dr. Thorell is the Principal Investigator (PI) within the Swedish Data Driven Life Science (DDLS) initiative, and the group's work is based on large datasets including whole-genome sequences of bacteria from different parts of the world with different disease profiles. The group also works on characterizing bacterial isolates and their interaction with human cells through RNA sequencing, proteomics, glycomics, and other large-scale data analyses.

Job Description

The tasks will primarily involve the characterization of a new type of Helicobacter pylori that we have recently discovered in regions with high stomach cancer risk. The position will mainly focus on characterizing outer membrane proteins involved in host-microbe interactions, including bacterial binding, and how genetic diversity affects the bacteria's ability to bind ligands on the surface of stomach cells.

Qualifications

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, you must have completed a PhD degree, or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a PhD. This eligibility requirement must be met by the time the employment decision is made. Ideally, the candidate should have obtained their PhD degree no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, the PhD degree may have been obtained earlier.

Other requirements:

• You must have previous experience culturing Helicobacter pylori, including characterizing outer membrane proteins and regulating these genes.
• You must have experience expressing and characterizing bacterial outer membrane proteins.
• You must have previous experience with molecular biological methods for measuring gene expression.
• You must have worked with interactions between Helicobacter pylori and its host cells and/or other bacteria.
• For this position, very good communication skills in English are required, both orally and in writing, as English is the working language.

Merits:

As a person, you should be highly motivated, have well-developed problem-solving skills, and be able to work both independently and in a team.

The group is newly formed with engaged and ambitious colleagues in a creative, international, and dynamic research environment. We have a strong focus on collaboration, where you will have the opportunity to participate in and contribute your experience to several different projects.

Great importance will be attached to personal suitability and good teamwork skills. The applicant is expected to actively contribute to the group's research profile. Experience of international collaboration, good scientific publication record, and the ability to attract research grants are merits. Experience and interest in supervising students and teaching are also merits.

Employment

The employment is fixed-term for 2 years on a full-time basis (100%) located at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology at Gothenburg University. Start date: August 2026.

Contact Information

If you have questions about the position, please contact Kaisa Thorell, +46(0)703-212946, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Trade Union Representatives

Trade union representatives at Gothenburg University can be found 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 Gothenburg University's recruitment portal by clicking the "Apply" button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it is submitted to the university by the final application date.

The application must be written in English and include:

• A curriculum vitae (CV) including a publication list.
• A general description of previous research work and future research interests (max three pages).
• Contact details for at least two references.
• A copy of the PhD diploma and any other certificates/grades you wish to cite. The cited merits must be documented, certified, and translated into English.

All attachments must be named in a way that clearly shows their content.

Application deadline: 2026-06-16

The University works actively 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 for a position, specifically request the return of your documents, 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: Gothenburg University 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.