Postdoktor i bakteriell vaccinforskning

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The work is done at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, within a larger project with corresponding goal and job assignments. The project is led by Professor Jan Holmgren together with two other scientists and also has technical staff engaged in the project.  The department has a broad research activity in the field of vaccine research. 

Subject area
Bacterial vaccine research.

Subject area description
The World Health Organisation has recently launched a program for the control and ultimate elimination of cholera “”Ending Cholera – A global roadmap to 2030”. Effective oral cholera vaccines (OCV) exist, including the Dukoral vaccine developed in Sweden and related Dukoral-like later OCVs such as Shanchol and Euvichol. However, these vaccines are available in insufficient amounts and have limitations in their formulation for use in the field. With support from the Wellcome Trust we plan to develop an improved inexpensive, thermostable and gastric acid-stable dry capsule formulation OCV and the position advertised is for work in this project. The project title is ‘DuoChol: A low-cost, thermostable dry formulation whole-cell/B-subunit enterocoated capsule oral cholera vaccine’. 

For more information, please see the full ad.

Job assignments

• Development of most suitable vaccine strains
• Development of fermentation methods for preparation of vaccine strains and of inactivation methods leading to killing of the bacteria without loss of vaccine properties.
• Development of optimal fermentation conditions for maximal production of rCTB.
• Collaborate in the development of dry formulation capsule vaccine formulations.
• Establishment and validation of standard operating procedures (SOP) for qualitative and quantitative characterization of vaccine formulations.
• Preclinical vaccine studies of safety and immunogenicity in animals of the new vaccines compared to licensed vaccines (Dukoral and Shanchol)
• Determinations of local immune responses in the intestine and serum antibody responses after oral cholera vaccination.

Eligibility
An achieved doctoral degree is compulsory for a position as postdoctor at Göteborg University. The doctoral thesis shall be in a relevant area according to the specific position stated here. Since a position as postdoctor aims to give new holders of the doctorate the opportunity mainly to strengthen and develop their scholarly proficiency, we aim for those who have a doctoral degree not older than 3 years counting from last date of application.

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

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


• Potential for successful research within the project and thereby also within the subject area
• Documented competence and experience of the subject area and the listed job assignments
• Experience of and preparedness for laboratory animal (especially mouse) and human immunology research including related immunological analytical methods, as well as knowledge and experience of laboratory work with pathogenic bacteria.

Employment
The employment is full time and temporary, two years, with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed. 

For further information:
Please contact Professor Jan Holmgren, e-mail: jan.holmgren@gu.se, tel +46-31-7866201

Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

Information for International Applicants
Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

How to apply
In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the 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

Closing date: 2021-04-15.

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Salary is determined on an individual basis.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.

 


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.