PhD student in Experimental Cardiovascular Research - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The research group

The position is placed at the Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, within the research group “Cardiovascular research - immunity and atherosclerosis”. The group is focused on investigating immunological processes involved in cardiovascular disease. By using animal models and large human material repositories, we aim to develop novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for translation into clinical practice. Particular attention is awarded to mechanisms of atherosclerosis, inflammatory heart diseases, and stroke. You can read more about our research here. The group is led by Professor Jan Nilsson, and includes six principal investigators, two post-docs, three PhD students and technical assistants. We are located at the Clinical Research Centre in Malmö.

We strive to create a stimulating and positive working environment, based on mutual respect. We are constantly aiming to provide favorable conditions for work satisfaction and personal development for everyone in the group.

We are now looking for a PhD student for our project that will investigate the role of the S100A9 alarmin in cardiac inflammation. Start date in May 2020 or as mutually agreed.

Work description

The project will investigate immune and inflammatory mechanisms in mouse models of myocardial infarction, heart failure, myocarditis and sepsis. The models will be used to develop a novel immunomodulatory therapy to inhibit inflammation and improve heart function in inflammatory heart diseases. Both in-vivo and in-vitro experiments will be used to define the underlying mechanisms and to develop the treatment towards a potential clinical therapy.

The PhD student will be responsible for establishing the mouse models of myocardial infarction, myocarditis and sepsis, administration of treatments, measurement of cardiac function with echocardiography or magnetic resonance, analysis of cell populations in blood and organs by flow cytometry, analysis of gene and protein expression in tissues with RT-PCR and Western Blot, histological analyses by immunohistochemistry and other staining methods. The in-vivo experiments will be complemented by in-vitro experiments that will examine how the treatment affects the inflammatory activation of different cell lines and primary cells in culture.

The main duties of PhD students is to engage in their research studies, which includes participating in research projects and mandatory third cycle courses studies. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20 % of full-time). Other assignments within the group may also occur.  

Qualifications

The following are required for the position:

• Master’s degree in molecular biology or equivalent
• Good knowledge of immunology
• Experience of mouse experimental work
• Good English language skills (speaking and writing)

When choosing the candidate, great importance will be awarded to certain individual qualities. The work requires ability to work independently and take personal initiatives, as well as ability to work well together with the other members of the group and with our collaboration partners.

The following are considered to be a merit:

• Experience with mouse models of myocardial infarction
• Knowledge of flow cytometry, small animal echocardiography, RT-PCR, Western Blot, histology.

Eligibility

Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who: have completed a second-cycle degree, have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Type of employment

Fixed-term employment, four years, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5 Section 7.

Application

The application must contain a personal letter which includes information about your previous experience and motivation for the position, a CV and diploma or other documentation of your eligibility for PhD studies.