Postdoctoral fellow in Experimental cardiovascular research - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

About the research group

The research group Cardiovascular research – immunity and atherosclerosis, located at the Clinical Research Centre in Malmö, focuses on immunological mechanisms involved in cardiovascular disease. By using animal models, in-vitro studies and large human material repositories we aim to develop new treatments and biomarkers for translation into clinical practice. Particular attention is awarded to myocardial infarction, inflammatory heart disease, atherosclerosis and stroke. We are promoting a broad cooperation between our group members and strive to create a stimulating environment. We are supporting the younger members of our team in their efforts to establish themselves as independent researchers. Information about the members of the research group can be found here.

We are looking for a driven and motivated Postdoctoral research fellow for an internationally unique project aiming to develop an immunomodulatory treatment against cardiac inflammation. The employment is a 2-year full-time position. The preliminary starting date is the 1st of November 2021, or upon agreement.

Work duties

The purpose of our unique treatment is to inhibit inflammation and to improve cardiac function in diseases such as myocardial infarction, myocarditis and sepsis. In-vivo and in-vitro experiments will be performed to define the underlying immunological mechanisms and to develop the treatment towards a possible therapy for patients. The position offers a great opportunity to be involved in a project with high potential for future clinical applicability.  

You will work in direct collaboration with Dr. Alexandru Schiopu, the principal investigator leading the project, and with the other members of the group. You are expected to independently design and perform experiments, supervise junior members, run statistical analyses, interpret the data and present the results through publications and at international meetings.

The project includes work with:

• Mouse models of myocardial infarction, myocarditis and sepsis;
• Cell culture and treatment – immune cells, cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells;
• Analysis of cell function, gene expression, signaling pathways
• Analyses of mitochondrial function
• Flow cytometry
• Histology

Qualifications

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three (3) years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier. These circumstances refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical work, positions of trust within trade union organizations or other similar circumstances.

For appointment to a post-doctoral position, the ability to develop and conduct high quality research will be evaluated as part of the assessment criteria. The assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential.

The following are also required for the position:

• Ph.D. in an area relevant for the project
• Good experience of experimental animal work, preferably models of cardiovascular disease, and good experience of in-vitro experiments on cell lines and primary cells
• Earlier experience of flow cytometry
• Very high proficiency in English, in speech and writing.

Special emphasis will be placed on personal qualities. We are looking for someone who is motivated, driven and has a genuine interest for experimental research. 

The following are considered to be a merit:

• Earlier experience of mouse models of myocardial infarction, myocarditis and sepsis
• Good theoretical knowledge of immunology
• Good knowledge of microsurgery, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, ELISA, RT-PCR, Western Blot, single-cell analysis
• Very good experience of in-vitro experiments
• Good experience of cell signaling Earlier work with mitochondria
• Earlier work with cardiomyocytes

Terms of employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions for your application

The application must contain:

• A personal letter (max 2 pages) describing how you fulfill the desired qualifications (including a short description of earlier independent projects and technical skills), your research interests and future career plans.
• CV – including names and contact information of two earlier supervisors.
• Copy of PhD diploma (or equivalent, stating the date of PhD graduation).
• Complete publication list.