Post doc position within Environmental Microbiology and Immunology

Högskolan Kristianstad

Högskolan Kristianstad är en del av det skånska högskolelandskapet med 560 anställda och 14 000 studenter. På ett modernt högskoleområde finns bibliotek, restaurang, café, idrottshall, kårhus och studentbostäder. Högskolan Kristianstad har ett brett och spännande utbud av program, fristående kurser, uppdragsutbildningar och forskning inom beteendevetenskap, ekonomi, humaniora och samhällsvetenskap, hälsovetenskaper, matematik och naturvetenskap, teknik och data samt lärarutbildning. Högskolans vision är att utbilda Sveriges mest anställningsbara studenter. Studenter vid Högskolan Kristianstad ska helt enkelt ha de kunskaper, färdigheter och förmågor som är mest eftertraktade på arbetsmarknaden efter avslutad utbildning.

Specific subject description
Global change, linked to temperature increase and ocean acidification, is suggested as a driving force for waterborne infectious diseases. Bacteria of the genus Vibrio are natural inhabitants of aquatic environments and several species are pathogenic to humans as well as to fish and shellfish. Recent studies by our research group have demonstrated that ocean acidification negatively affects the immune defense of shellfish that might favor Vibrio infections and thereby increasing the risk for transmission to humans when consuming mussels and lobsters. However, within the pathogen-containing populations of vibrios the pathogenicity ranges from non-virulent to highly virulent and the influence of environmental factors is virtually unknown. This post-doctoral project aims to investigate survival and virulence expression of pathogenic vibrios and how the outcome of host-pathogen interaction is affected when exposed to ocean acidification. The position is placed within the research platform Man and Biosphere Health at the Division of Science, Kristianstad University 

Job assignments
Experimental studies comparing vibrios incubated in carbon dioxide induced acidified seawater and in water with ambient pH will be conducted as well as infectivity studies on cell and marine invertebrate larvae cultures. Transcript analysis using next generation sequencing technique as well as functional studies on host-pathogen interactions will be part of the study. Evaluation of data will include statistical analyses and bioinformatics. 

The position is based at Kristianstad University where the study will be carried out. Principal investigator is Bodil Hernroth. The project fits to the research platform Man and Biosphere Health (MABH; http://www.hkr.se/sv/forskning/forskningsmiljoer/man-biosphere-health-mabh/) and will be performed in collaboration with Associate Prof. Åsa Sjöling, Inst. Microbiology and Immunology, Sahlgrenska Academy and Prof. Susanne Baden, Inst. Biology and Environmental Science at University of Gothenburg. Teaching and supervision of students at Kristianstad University amounting to a maximum of 20% per year may become part of the duties.  

Desired Skills and Experience
Minimum experience

A PhD-level education in a relevant area according to the specific position stated here (biomedical/biological sciences). Strong microbiological and experimental background.

Excellent skills in scientific writing. Ability to communicate and write in English. 

Preferred experience/requirements

We are searching for a candidate that enjoys experimental microbial work and has a creative mindset. In-depth knowledge on molecular biology and vibrio eco-physiology are highly valuable. The holder should be able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Ability to communicate in a Scandinavian language is a strong asset.  

Additional information
Coverage 100 %, for two years. Kristianstad University strives for gender balance and diversity. 

Application
To apply we refer you to www.hkr.se/anstallning Application deadline is the 14th of January 2014. Please take your certifications that confirm your CV at any interview. 

Information can be obtained from
Associate Professor Ingvar Holm (personnel director), +46 44-20 34 01, ingvar.holm@hkr.se

Professor Bodil Hernroth, (principal investigator), +46 44- 20 34 58 bodil.hernroth@hkr.se 

Union representatives
Anders Håkansson, Saco/Sulf, 044-20 30 58

Odd Skyllberg, OFR/S, Lärarförbundet, 044-13 48 88

Marie Lindblom, OFR/S, ST, 044-20 32 02



We look forward to receiving your application!