FORTE-funded Postdoctoral position in Immunology

FORTE-funded Postdoctoral position in Immunology,

Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University

Postdoctoral Researcher Position on an Forte-Funded project

As part of the prestigious FORTE-funded interdisciplinary research centre WHOLE: An Interdisciplinary Centre for Women’s Health Over the LifecoursE – at the intersection of reproductive transitions, mental health and pain, we hereby announce a vacant postdoctoral research position in the laboratory of Professor Mia Phillipson at the Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Sweden. Within WHOLE, internationally leading academic research groups collaborate with the goal of establishing an interdisciplinary and long-term sustainable research environment for women’s health. Led by Uppsala University, in collaboration with Karolinska Institutet, WHOLE conducts cutting-edge research aligned with Sweden’s national initiative on women’s health and disease. The centre focuses on conditions at the intersection of reproductive life stages, mental health, and pain—such as endometriosis and postpartum depression—areas that remain underexplored and characterized by significant knowledge gaps. WHOLE brings together 17 disciplines spanning medicine, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities, integrating biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives across the female lifespan. Through innovative approaches, including longitudinal studies, laboratory-based and AI-driven analyses, and patient-oriented research, WHOLE aims to generate new knowledge, diagnostic innovations, and more equitable models of care in close collaboration with patients and healthcare providers. As an integrated member of this interdisciplinary team, you will participate in high-profile, multidisciplinary research within a well-funded and supportive environment and are expected to contribute to a project of substantial scientific and societal relevance.

Professor Phillipson’s laboratory has recently identified key regenerative functions of distinct immune cell populations. This postdoctoral project aims to elucidate the role of regenerative immune cells in driving endometriosis, and to develop novel immunotherapies for the treatment of this disease. The work will involve in vivo studies in preclinical models, as well as analyses of clinical samples using translational approaches. The latter is enabled through co-supervision by Professor Matts Olofsson, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University. In parallel, you will build a broad network for collaboration and professional development. The Department of Medical Cell Biology at Uppsala University offers a highly collaborative and successful interdisciplinary research environment and is internationally recognized for its strong and diverse research community. The department comprises more than 110 staff members, including approximately 25 PhD students, 10 postdoctoral researchers, and 40 researchers, lecturers, and professors, as well as students at various levels.

Societal and Scientific Relevance
Endometriosis affects up to 10% of all women and are associated with severe pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and infertility. There is currently no effective cure for the disease, and available treatment options focus on symptom relief through pain management, hormonal therapy, and surgery. The uterine lining (endometrium) contains a large number of immune cells, which play a crucial role in defending against invading pathogens but are also essential for uterine health. This project aims at establishing the role of distinct immune cell populations for the development of endometriosis.

Your role
The postdoctoral candidate will lead the development of new in vivo and in vitro technologies, including a mouse model of endometriosis in which endometrial tissue from patients is transplanted into the abdominal cavity of immunocompromised mice. These lesions can then be studied over time using intravital microscopy to elucidate immune cell interactions, vascularization, and growth. In addition, the effects of drug candidates on endometriotic tissue will be evaluated both in vivo and in vitro. The position is based in the laboratory of Professor Mia Phillipson, who leads an international, dynamic, and ambitious research team in ImmunoPhysiology with a well-established collaborative network and strong funding. The overarching aim of the research conducted in the Phillipson laboratory is to uncover new roles for immune cells and to identify ways to regulate their specific functions in relevant contexts such as organ development, cardiovascular disease, infection, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes. The Phillipson laboratory has a strong translational focus, which has resulted in a successful spin-out company for drug development currently in clinical phase 2 (Ilya Pharma, www.ilyapharma.se). The laboratory is situated in a unique environment that enables functional and long-term in vivo studies, and is in close proximity to the largest national infrastructure for Life Sciences in Sweden, SciLifeLab, where Professor Phillipson serves as vice director. The candidate is also expected to contribute in various ways to the WHOLE research environment and to actively participate in seminar series and other activities.

State-of-the-art infrastructure
Professor Phillipson’s laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that enable in vivo observations of immune cell dynamics as well as bacterial interactions with mucus, epithelium and immune cells. Several of the imaging setups are partly developed in-house and used in conjunction with established expertise in physiology to enable longitudinal in vivo studies. In addition to the high-speed confocal in vivo microscopes, the laboratory is equipped with several other types of microscopes as well as instruments for spectral flow cytometry, cell sorting, protein and gene array techniques, and bioinformatics competence within the lab. Additional technologies are accessed through the department of Medical Cell Biology and through SciLifeLab.

Responsibilities

The post doc fellow is expected to perform science of very high quality in a collaborative and open manner. This independent work includes experimental design, in vitro and in vivo technologies, data analysis, and dissemination of findings through publications and conferences, in addition to supervision of students at various levels.

Requirements

• PhD degree, or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in immunology, physiology, gynaecology or a related subject. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment, and not more than three years prior to the application deadline. The three-year period can be extended due to certain circumstances, such as sick leave, parental leave, military duties, etc.
• Evidence of expertise in cell biology/immunology/physiology and biotechnology, demonstrated through degrees, publications and other relevant qualifications
• A high level of computer proficiency, particularly in advanced imaging and image analysis, FACS, in vitro and/or in vivo assays
• Very high motivation, ambition and enthusiasm are fundamental prerequisites for the position, encompassing initiative taking and active collaboration with fellow researchers.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, strong analytical skills, protocol development expertise
• Proficiency in scientific writing, and in summarizing results and data
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, together with your proficiency in the required areas, will be key to the success of this role.

The application should contain a short personal letter with a brief description of research interests and relevant experience (1/2 A4) together with a full CV, copies of diplomas and transcripts, the applicant’s thesis (or a draft) and documentation from to the position relevant experience.

Please also submit two letters of reference or contact information of previous direct research supervisors.

Selection of candidates is based on qualifications, previous work experience, and personal suitability.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position of two years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Mia Phillipson, 018-471 4419, mia.phillipson@mcb.uu.se

Please submit your application by March 20 2026, UFV-PA 2026/197.