Postdoctoral fellow in biophysical tools for cellular biology in diabetes

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We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral scholar with a background in cellular biophysics to join the lab of Dr. Joan Camuñas. Experience in computational modeling, signal processing and/or technology development of biophysical tools to characterize single cells will be highly valued. The project will require significant interdisciplinary work in the areas of engineering, molecular biology and data analysis. The research group is embedded in the Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine (WCMTM) in the University of Gothenburg. and is tightly connected to a broad network of international collaborators. This project in particular will benefit from collaboration with researchers in the Chan-Zuckerberg BioHub in San Francisco.

Subject area 
Biophysical tools for cellular biology in diabetes

 Subject area description 
The lab of Dr. Joan Camuñas stands at the interface of genomics, biophysics and precision medicine. Our mission is  to develop experimental and computational methods to identify molecular mechanisms leading to dysfunctional cellular states in human disease. Our focus is in the investigation of metabolic disorders such as diabetes through the prism of single-cell genomics and modern biophysical characterization techniques. We aim to combine fundamental discoveries in cellular physiology with the investigation of circulating nucleic acids (cell-free DNA/RNA) and applied machine learning methods for early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression.

The candidate joining this project will develop single-cell genomics methods and combine them with high-throughput electrophysiological measurement of cellular function to characterize pancreatic islet cells such as b- and a-cells. Pancreatic islets cells regulate glucose levels by secreting the two main glucoregulatory hormones -insulin and glucagon- and their dysfunction is associated to diseases such as diabetes. In this project, we will quantify phenotypes of b- and a-cells that identify  ‘functionally responsive’ cells and connect transcriptomic alterations with a loss of functional activity in diabetes, including in newly-identified sub-populations of b - and a-cells with reduced exocytosis that appear to drive secretory dysfunction. To do so, we will use new approaches to combine electrophysiology with scRNA-seq to enhance sample throughput and investigate how cell-to-cell interactions regulate islet cell function.

Duties 

• Technology development of electrophysiological measurements using microelectrode arrays.
• Computational modeling of paired electrophysiological and transcriptomic data.
• Development of automated methods for cell collection.
• Capability to work with tissue culture and dissociated primary cells.
• Perform basic molecular biology methods with possibility to learn advanced scRNAseq methods.

Eligibility 
The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg. For detailed instructions see: https://web103.reachmee.com/ext/I005/1035/job?site=6〈=SE&validator=3038fcf1516ea1184a6da70a891f87da&job_id=25560

Assessment criteria 
The ideal candidates should have the following qualifications:


• PhD in a relevant research area (Biophysics, Physics or other quantitative sciences).
• Highly motivated, proactive and diligent.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Experience working with cellular manipulation technologies.
• Experience in signal processing and computational modeling.
• Experience in data science and programming (e.g. Python, Matlab, LabView, C++).
• Basic understanding of cell and organismal biology.
• Knowledge of laser manipulation and electrophysiological measurements of single cells are considered strong merits.
• Experience in single cell analysis and image analysis are also highly valued.
• Knowledge in using a variety of methods including cell culture, molecular biology, and biochemistry is advantageous.
• Good skills in both written and spoken English are required.

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance

Employment 
The employment is full time and temporary, two years with the possibility of one year's extension, with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed.

Contact information 
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Joan Camuñas Soler, Associate Senior Lecturer: E-mail: joan.camunas@gmail.com  

 

Application 

Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.  

The application should contain:

- A cover letter giving a brief description of previous research experience, and a motivation to why you are applying

- A CV including a list of publications

- Proof of completed PhD

- Contact details of two references

Applications must be received by: 2022-05-25. 

 


The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.