Researcher in Molecular Metabolism with the focus on Chronic Liver Disease

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Project description
Molecular pathogenesis and new treatment strategies of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a wide spectrum of liver damage from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In addition to fatty infiltration, liver injury in NASH is characterized by inflammation, fibrosis and cell damage. NAFLD exacerbates insulin resistance and NASH patients are also at risk of cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite this medical importance, the mechanisms controlling liver lipid storage and progression to NASH remain elusive and no therapy is available for NAFLD/NASH.

We identified protein kinase STK25 as a new critical regulator of liver fat storage, meta-inflammation and fibrosis. By analyzing unique patient cohorts and human liver cells, this project elucidates the mechanisms regulating liver lipid partitioning and progression to NASH, with the focus on STK25 and related kinases. The project is anticipated to lead to discovery of new biomarkers to indicate metabolic risks and novel treatment targets and preventive strategies for NAFLD/NASH.

Job assignments
The applicant will be joining a research team lead by Principle Investigator Prof. M. Mahlapuu and Prof. Hanns-Ulrich Marschall. The job assignment is focused on experimental work, which combines laboratory studies in cell culture,

human tissue samples, as well as genetically modified mouse models bringing together the molecular biology tools with physiological assessments. In addition, the job assignment includes administrative tasks such as organizing the tissue, section, and laboratory sample bank and similar.

Qualifications
The successful applicant has a PhD in molecular or cell biology, pharmacology, physiology, medicine, or related subjects, with in-depths well-documented experience of techniques and methods which are used within molecular biology research today. In addition, excellence in standard laboratory techniques such as qRT PCR, ELISA and Western blot is a pre-requisite for this position. Previous knowledge in in vivo studies in different animal models with the focus on metabolic research; transient and stable transfections in cell culture; sectioning, staining and histomorphological analysis of tissue samples with the focus on metabolic organs, is an advantage.

Employment
The employment is a 2-year position on fulltime (100%) at Västra Götaland Region (VGR), Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg. Starting date upon agreement.

Contacts
For questions regarding the position please contact Professor Margit Mahlapuu, (+46)706310109, margit.mahlapuu@gu.se

Application
The application should include:

- CV including the list of all publications

- Personal letter

- 5 selected publications authored by the applicant as pdf documents

Please submit your application to margit.mahlapuu@gu.se.

Closing date: 2020-04-29


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.