EU funded Postdoctoral position in Immunology

Postdoctoral Researcher Position on an EU HORIZON-EIC Pathfinder Open-Funded
As part of a prestigious European Union funded research project, a postdoctoral researcher position is open in Professor Mia Phillipson’s laboratory, department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Sweden. The project unites top-tier international academic research groups with the overall aim to study vaginal-endometrial immunology important for endometrial health and disease, as well as for the development of prophylaxis against infections, including HIV. As an integral member of our interdisciplinary team, you will be involved in high-impact, multidisciplinary research in a well-resourced and supportive environment and are expected to contribute to a project of significant scientific and societal importance. The Phillipson laboratory has recently discovered regenerative contributions of different innate immune cells. The current postdoctoral project encompasses the development of the technologies (in vivo as well as in vitro) required to address the importance of regenerative innate immune cells in endometriosis, as well as in the translation of novel anti-viral strategies to limit sexually transmitted infections. In parallel, you will gain an extensive network for collaboration and professional growth.

The Department of Medical Cell Biology at Uppsala University is a supportive and collaborative environment for multidisciplinary research, known for its strong and diverse team of international researchers. The department is home to over 110 employees, including around 25 doctoral students, 10 postdoctoral fellows, and 40 researchers, teachers, and professors, as well as students at various levels.

Societal and scientific importance
The endometrial lining and the vaginal mucosa are populated by an organ-specific composition of microbiota as well as numerous immune cells. These immune cells play a pivotal role in the defense against invading pathogens including HIV, but are also crucial for vagino-utero health such as physiological regeneration of the endometrium following menstruation. The importance of immune cell-microbial interactions for efficient anti-viral properties and endometrial health remains to be established. Endometrial diseases such as endometriosis affects up to 10% of all women, and is associated with severe pain, bowel and bladder problems, and infertility. There is today no efficient cure for the disease, and available treatment options are focused on symptom relief through pain management, hormone treatment and surgery. Further, over a million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) arise daily, with women facing double the infection risk.

Your role
The postdoctoral fellow will be driving the development of in vivo and in vitro technologies including an in vivo model of endometriosis where immune cells interacting with endometrial tissue engrafted in the peritoneum of mice is observed by intravital imaging. Further, interactions between anti-viral mucus and epithelial as well as immune cells will be investigated, to evaluate effects and biological safety of the designed new anti-viral materials by utilizing the established, advanced immunological methods already established in the Phillipson laboratory. The position is placed in the ImmunoPhysiology laboratory of Professor Mia Phillipson, which is an international dynamic and ambitious research team with a well-established collaborative network and strong funding. The overall aim of the conducted research in the Phillipson laboratory is aiming to uncover novel roles of immune cells and to find means to regulate their specific functions in settings spanning from organ development and regulation of homeostasis to tissue healing, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases, cancer and infection. The Phillipson laboratory has a strong translational focus, which so far  has resulted in in a spin-out drug development company (Ilya Pharma) now in clinical phase 2. The laboratory is located within a unique environment allowing functional and longitudinal in vivo studies, and in close proximity to the largest national infrastructure within Life Sciences in Sweden, SciLifeLab, with Prof. Phillipson as co-director.

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 in immunology, physiology or a related subject or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in these subjects. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

Furthermore the successfull candidate is expected to have:

• 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.

Additional qualifications
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 December 30 2024, UFV-PA 2024/3700.