PhD position in Experimental Medical Genomics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM) at Uppsala University provides a broad international environment for research and teaching. The Department's research covers three collaborative and partially integrated sections: Cancer, infections and immunity as well as genetics and genomics. More info: http://www.imbim.uu.se/research-areas/.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with the ability to work independently and with a strong interest in pursuing a PhD degree in experimental medical genomics at Uppsala University. The study plan is focused on characterizing autoantibody-mediated diseases, with a particular focus on cytokine autoantibodies as a mechanism behind infectious disease susceptibility.

Project description and working tasks: The research team conducts translational studies of autoimmune diseases. Two main themes of the research are: 1) broad-scale studies of autoantibody responses as means to understand disease mechanisms and improve diagnostics, 2) sex differences in immune-related diseases.

There is increasing data to suggest that cytokine autoantibodies may be an important mechanism behind infectious disease susceptibility alongside inborn errors of immunity. The PhD project will be focused on characterizing the roles of cytokine autoantibodies in disorders such as severe COVID-19, adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccination, inborn errors of immunity, and systemic autoimmune diseases. The PhD studies will involve applying and further developing technologies for autoantibody screening, including broad-scale approaches to identify novel autoantibody targets, and high-throughput screening for selected targets in large cohorts.

Qualifications: Candidates should hold a Master degree or equivalent (corresponding to 240 credits) in medicine or biology. Experience from experimental research is expected. Experience from clinical work is further desirable given the translational focus of the projects. Very good oral and written communication skills in English are required. Knowledge in Swedish is also desirable since the work may involve ethical approvals in Swedish. Emphasis will be given on personal qualities such as collaboration and communication skills as well as analytical capacity. The candidate is expected to take own initiatives as well as to collaborate with national and international colleagues both within and outside of the group.

The selection is based on the following criteria: completion of the above qualifications, grades in relevant courses, suitability of the courses to the research program, previous experience in working and/or performing research in the wider area that relates to the project described above, and previous experience of clinical work. An integrated assessment of the applicant is generated in order to employ the best possible candidate that can succeed in the doctoral studies and contribute to a positive development of the research program.

To be employed as a PhD student, the applicant must be accepted in the postgraduate program. Information concerning doctoral education, requirements and rules of admission can be found in: http://www2.medfarm.uu.se/utbildning/forskarniva/. The length of the study period for full time employment is a maximum of four years. Terms for graduate studies can be found in Högskoleförordningen 5 kap §§1-7.

Formal Duties: The successful candidate will engage in research and doctoral studies. Other duties at the department, i.e. administration and teaching, may be included in the employment up to a maximum level of 20 %.

Application: Please submit your application by using the Uppsala University application portal, and by including i) a CV, ii) publications and/or a copy of master thesis or equivalent, iii) a letter describing your research interests, skills and motivation to apply for the position, together with iv) contact information of at least two referees (phone numbers and e-mail addresses).

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.

Starting date: As soon as possible.

Type of position: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 §§ 1-7.

Scope of employment: 100%

For further information about the position please contact: Dr. Nils Landegren, nils.landegren@imbim.uu.se.

Please submit your application by July 2, 2021, UFV-PA 2021/2578. 

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.