Postdoctoral Researcher in Immunogenomics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of around SEK 7 billion.

The Department of Medical Sciences is a large clinical institution with more than 250 employees and over 300 additional coworkers connected via the Uppsala University Hospital. The Department of Medical Sciences has a broad research profile with strong research groups in a number of different areas. The research carried out at the department is performed in close connection with the clinical activities at the Uppsala University Hospital, which includes both basic studies on the causes of a variety of illnesses and the development and evaluation of improved diagnostics and new treatment methods. More information about the Department of Medical Sciences can be found at www.medsci.uu.se.

The Rheumatology research group focusing on systemic autoimmunity at the Department of Medical Sciences looks for a new postdoctoral researcher. The research group studies inflammatory rheumatic diseases including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögrens syndrome. We study the genome and different cells of the immune system in patients and healthy individuals, aiming at clarifying the mechanisms behind disease in order to develop new and effective treatments. We collaborate with national and international networks of clinicians and researchers and also with the pharmaceutical industry. For more information, see http://www.medsci.uu.se/forskning/reumatologi/.

Job description: Our research group has contributed to the discovery of >25 risk loci associated with development of SLE. Some of these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with specific manifestations of the disease. Recently, we developed a polygenic risk score for SLE and observed not only that individuals with a high risk score often develop SLE but also have a more sever disease. This project will further dissect the role of genetics in SLE pathogenesis. The aim is to develop an instrument to predict disease manifestations, effect of different environmental risk factors and response to treatment.  To do this we have analyzed and compiled genetic data, methylation data, protein expression data and comprehensive clinical information from a large group of patients with SLE. The work includes gene-gene and gene-environmental interaction analysis, analysis of polygenic risk and development of models to predict disease course. The overall goal of the project is to develop a genetic tool to be used in clinical care.

We expect our new colleague to independently plan and perform analysis in collaboration with the rest of the team. Presentation of data and writing manuscripts will also be of great importance.

Required qualifications: To qualify for an employment as a post doctor you must have a PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD. The PhD degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the application deadline. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

• PhD in medicine, biology, bioinformatics or genetics.
• Experience of bioinformatic analysis, statistical analysis and genetic analysis including analysis of GWAS-data (PLINK, R)
• Ability to interpret omics data in a biological context
• Authorship in high ranked peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Ability to work independently Interest to share knowledge with colleagues
• Expert knowledge of written and spoken English
• Personal qualities will be an important selection criterion in particular ability to work together with other researchers, physicians and bioinformaticians

Additional qualifications: Documented experience of genetic interaction analysis and development of genetic risk prediction models. Experience with utilizing a high performance computing cluster for data analysis (e.g. Uppsala Multidisciplinary Center for Advanced Computational Science) is also a merit for the position.

Application: The application should contain a letter describing the applicant’s research interests and relevant qualifications. The application should also include a CV, a list of publications, copies of diplomas and certificates of higher academic degrees as well as contact details (name, e-mail, phone number) of two referees. Specify earliest possible start date.

Type of employment: Temporary position, 2 years

Salary: Individual salary 

Scope of employment: 100 %

Starting date: October 2021 or as otherwise agreed

For further information about the position, please contact: MD PhD Senior Lecturer, Dag Leonard, dag.leonard@medsci.uu.se

Please submit your application by 8 September 2021, UFV-PA 2021/3094.