Postdoctoral fellow in Cardiac inflammation research - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The Cardiac inflammation research group, 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, myocarditis and sepsis, but also to atherosclerosis and stroke. We are promoting a broad cooperation between our group members and the other groups in the same research environment. We are supporting the younger members of our team in their efforts to establish themselves as independent researchers.

We offer

Lund University is a government agency, which means that you receive special benefits, generous holidays and a favorable occupational pension. Read more on the university's website about being employed at Lund University. Work with us.

Work duties and responsibilities

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. Our unique treatment inhibits inflammation, reduces myocardial damage and improves cardiac function in diseases such as myocardial infarction, myocarditis and sepsis. In-vivo and in-vitro experiments will be performed to define the underlying immunopathological 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 in publications and at international meetings.

The project includes work with:

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

Other assignments may also occur.

Eligibility

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. This eligibility requirement needs to be met no later than the time when the employment decision is made, and evidence that this requirement is met needs to have been sent in by this time at the latest. We will mainly consider candidates who have completed their PhD degree 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.

Basis for assessment

At Lund University, employment as a postdoctoral researcher provides opportunities for scientific and pedagogical merit. There is mainly room for merit in research, but also for certain higher education pedagogical training. Teaching may be included in the tasks.

For the employment as a postdoctoral research, scientific ability will primarily be taken into account.

Other qualifications

The following are also required for the position:

• PhD in an area relevant for the project
• Good experience of in-vitro experiments on cell lines and primary cells
• Experience of experimental animal work, preferably with models of cardiovascular disease
• High proficiency in English, in speech and writing.
• Motivated, driven and genuinely interested in experimental research

The following are considered to be a merit:

• Very good experience of in-vitro experiments
• Earlier work with cardiomyocytes
• Good experience of cell signaling research
• Experience of flow cytometry
• Earlier work with mitochondria
• 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

Terms of employment

The employment is a full-time, fixed-term position for 2 years, with a possible extension for up to one additional year.  The preliminary starting date is the 1st of December 2022 or as agreed. 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 November 19, 2021. The employment can be extended if there are special circumstances. These circumstances refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical work, positions of trust within trade union organizations or other similar circumstances.

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.