Researcher

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 53 500 students and 6 500 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Institute of Biomedicine is involved in both research and education. In both of these areas, we focus on fundamental knowledge of the living cell – what it consists of, how it works, how its function is directed by the genetic material, and how it interacts with various kinds of micro-organisms. Using this knowledge, we try to elucidate the causes of diseases, and find new ways to diagnose and treat them. The Institute is composed of the following four departments: the Department of Infectious Diseases, the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology and the Department of Laboratory Medicine. At present, the institute has about 360 employees and approximately 450 million SEK in total assets.

We are seeking a highly motivated, academically excellent and proactive researcher with a strong background in mucin biology and innate immunity. This is a 17-month full time position within the research group of Dr. Thaher Pelaseyed, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute for Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Our focus is defining the role of membrane mucins in protection against intestinal pathogenic bacteria. The group consists of 1 principal investigator, 2 postdoctoral fellows, 1 PhD student, and master students (http://pelaseyedlab.org/). The Pelaseyed lab is part of the Mucin Biology Groups (http://www.medkem.gu.se/mucinbiology/) with over 30 researchers studying mucins, mucus and host-microbe interactions in health and disease. The group has collaboration with other universities, nationally and internationally. The research is interdisciplinary and is funded by Swedish Society for Medical Research, NIH (USA), Wenner-Gren Foundations etc.

Job assignments
Membrane mucins are extended and densely glycosylated proteins that cover the apical aspects of transporting intestinal epithelial cells (enterocytes). Despite their ideal position at the interface between the host and the microbe-rich intestinal lumen, the fundamental function of membrane mucins in health and disease is not clear. We have recently shown in mouse models that membrane mucins are upregulated during postnatal development, during which they form a cell-attached glycocalyx that protects the epithelium against gut bacteria (Layunta et al., Cell Reports 2021). We have now generated a genetic mouse model lacking important membrane mucins to determine the contribution of membrane mucins to intestinal barrier function.

Qualifications
PhD in cell biology, biomedicine or equivalent subjects. The applicant has documented experience of independently designing and completing experiments. The applicant is proficient in fundamental gut physiology and mucin biology. The applicant is well versed in traditional biochemical methods (western blot, immunoprecipitation, ELISA etc.) and has documented experience of imaging of biological samples using confocal microscopy. The research project demands excellent skills in molecular biology (PCR, qPCR) and cell biology (isolation and culture of primary cells). The applicant has documented experience in mouse models, with a specific focus of modelling intestinal diseases. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Solid background in mucin biology is a requirement. The successful candidate is proficient in biochemical methods, and molecular and cell biology. Proficiency in experimental work with in vivo mouse models (i.p./i.v. injections, infection models etc.) is a requirement. The applicant has excellent general research background, a strong methodological skillset and documented proficiency in written and oral scientific communication. The applicant can work independently as well as in collaboration with other researcher in a team setting. Excellent skills in English (oral and written) are a requirement.

Employment
The employment is limited (temporary) for 17 months and full-time with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed.

For further information regarding the position
Please contact Group leader Thaher Pelaseyed. Phone: +46 (0)31-7863154. E-mail: thaher.pelaseyed@medkem.gu.se

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 selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application.

The application should contain proof of completed PhD.

Closing date: 2021-11-24


 

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.