Researcher

The Department of Medical Cell Biology at Uppsala University is a strong and international research environment. The department has more than 110 employees, of which about 25 are doctoral students, 10 postdoctoral fellows, and 40 researchers, teachers and professors.

We are thrilled to announce a position as a researcher, as part of a project led by Dr. Hongji Yan, at Uppsala University. The project is run in collaboration with the ImmunoPhysiology research laboratory led by Prof. Mia Phillipson.

As integral members of our interdisciplinary team, you will play a pivotal role in investigating innovative gel capsules for islet microencapsulation and transplantation. You will be involved in multidisciplinary research in a well-resourced and supportive environment and are expected to contribute to a project of significant scientific and societal importance. In parallel, you will gain an extensive network for collaboration and professional growth through being part of an EU-funded project NatProLub, coordinated by Dr. Hongji Yan (see the website www.NatProLub.eu).

Societal importance

Autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases (AIIDs), including  type 1 diabetes (T1D) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), affect 5% to 10% of the global population, yet still lack preventive and curative treatments. This project proposes two novel concepts focused on immunoregulation to promote adequate revascularization post-transplantation. The research is conducted in a well-established department with a long history of diabetes research. 

State-of-the-art infrastructure

The ImmunoPhysiology laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that enable in vivo observations of dynamics of immune response in vivo.Several of our imaging setups are partly developed in-house and used in conjunction with our expertise in physiology to enable longitudinal in vivo studies. In addition to our high-speed confocal in vivo microscopes, we also have several other types of microscopes as well as equipment for spectra flow cytometry, cell sorting, protein and gene array techniques. The ImmunoPhysiology laboratory is located within a unique environment allowing functional and longitudinal in vivo studies, and in close proximity to the largest national infrastructure, SciLifeLab. 

Scientific importance 

The project may offer an alternative for islet transplantation and create new opportunities to treat autoimmune diseases using an innovative gel formulation. 

Duties
Outlining the researcher's expected tasks, such as experimental design, materials synthesis, FACS, In vitro and in vivo models, data analysis, and dissemination of findings through publications and conferences, documentation for EU projects, and supervision of students at various levels.

Requirements
PhD degree, or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree, in biomaterials, biotechnology, biomedicine, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, immunology, or a related subject. A background in gels and materials is not required, but you will have the opportunity to gain exposure in this area. Instead, experience with autoimmune diseases or related fields is highly appreciated.

We consider very high motivation and enthusiasm as fundamental prerequisites for these positions, encompassing initiative taking and active collaboration with fellow researchers. Our research ecosystem is currently experiencing significant growth and establishment of close partnerships with both internal teams at Uppsala University and external collaborators.

Your ability to work both independently and collaboratively, together with your proficiency in the required areas, will be key to the success of this role.

In addition, the candidates must possess:

• Educational credentials: Evidence of expertise in hydrogel development, cell biology/immunology/physiology and engineering, demonstrated through degrees, publications and other relevant qualifications
• Exceptional organizational skills, and a high degree of motivation to excel in a dynamic research environment
• Autonomy: the capability to independently perform complex tasks with minimal supervision
• The ability to onboard and supervise new group members and students
• Excellent problem-solving skills, strong analytical skills, protocol development expertise
• Proficiency in scientific writing, and in summarizing results and data
• Very strong English communication skills, both spoken and written

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

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, 12 months. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Hongi Yan, hongji.yan@mcb.uu.se

Please submit your application by 10 April 2025, UFV-PA 2025/731.

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