Postdoctoral researcher in Cell and Moleculär biology

About the position 
The research activities will be conducted in a network of academic, industrial, and clinical partners within a newly funded project entitled Biobarriers - Health, Disorders and Healing. The general vision of the research project is to improve health and healing of biological barriers by modernizing clinical treatments and products based on molecular level knowledge. In particular, the aim of the open position is to develop advanced ex vivo cell- and tissue models for the investigation of healthy and disordered skin. 

Usually, therapeutic targets of biological barriers, e.g., skin, are tested in vitro including cell-based assays. These models usually do not grasp the holistic biological barrier complexity. Thus, there is an increasing interest to develop and use advanced skin models before any testing is started on animals or humans. Excised human or animal skin have traditionally been used as models. Though animal skin is easily available as byproduct from food industry, it differs from human skin. Thus, there is a need for functional ex vivo human skin models for evaluation of molecular treatment mechanisms, as well as assessment of efficacy and safety. Human skin equivalent can be designed as epidermis only, dermis only, or full thickness depending on the application. Currently there are several commercially available ex vivo skin models for making controlled tests. However, new treatments and growing understanding of the complexity of human skin require broader variety and deeper understanding of ex vivo skin models. 

Studies that include microbial components onto skin models are rare. The host-microbe interaction between keratinocytes and microbiota could be a key factor for achieving the skin barrier function observed in native skin. Studies on the effects of complete microbiomes on stratum corneum formation, composition and permeability or the keratinocyte interaction with immune cells are pivotal but still missing. 

The main goals are to: 


• Establish skin cell culture models of dermal fibroblasts, keratinocytes, melanocytes and immune cells as well as cultures of cells from human skin biopsies ex vivo.
• To adopt skin culture models for studies of microbiota-skin barrier interactions.Apart from carrying out research within these areas the applicant is expected to take responsibility for the maintenance of the instruments involved and to be active by supervising graduate and postgraduate students and fellow scientists in the techniques and participate in teaching at graduate and postgraduate levels. In addition, the applicant will be expected to take part in applications for external funding to support research activities. 

Qualifications
Specific requirements for this position:
The successful candidate possess a PhD in biomedical laboratory science, cell biology, molecular biology, biomedicine, immunology, microbiology or related disciplines. Good communication skills in English (written and spoken) are necessary. Hands-on experience in in vitro cell culture is also a specific requirement.

The following would be of benefit for the position:
Hands-on experience in some of the following methods is highly valued: cell-based assays, ELISA, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, qPCR, histological techniques, and microbial culture and their characterization by, e.g. MALDI-TOF or similar techniques.

In addition to formal competence, University employees must possess the personal capacities necessary to perform the duties of the position well and to represent the University in the best possible way. The successful candidate should have the ability to work in a team and collaborate with people in complementary disciplines.

Assessment criteria


• The quality and focus of the doctoral thesis.
• Research activities within fields relevant to the appointment in question.
• Documented ability to independently conduct research of a sufficient standard.
• Reflective presentation of their own pedagogical outlook and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate with actors in other parts of society with a connection to education and research.

In our recruitment work, Malmö University has taken a stand regarding recruitment channels and marketing. We therefore decline all offers of advertising and recruitment assistance in connection with this advertisement.

Application
You apply for this position via Malmö University's recruitment system by clicking on the "Apply" button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is completed in accordance with the advertisement, and that it is provided to the University no later than 10th of June.

The educational qualifications may be documented with guidance from Qualifications portfolio for lecturers/researchers at Malmö University. See also Appointment Rules at Malmö University  Books and any other documents, such as publications, that cannot be sent electronically should be sent in triplicate in an envelope marked with reference number REK2020/116 and posted to the HR Department, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmö. If the documents weigh more than 2 kg, they should be sent to the delivery address: HR Department, Malmö University, Matrosgatan 1, 211 18 Malmö, marked with reference number REK2020/116

Miscellaneous
One-year position (full-time), starting as soon as possible. The position can be prolonged beyond the first year.

Malmö University is a workplace and higher education institution that is characterised by an open and inclusive approach, where gender equality and equal terms add value to our activities. Malmö University applies individual salary setting.

Start date
As soon as possible

To see the ad in full go to Mau.se

We are looking forward to receive your application!