Postdoctoral fellow in Cardiac Inflammation Research - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace
The Cardiac Inflammation Research Group at Lund University studies immune and inflammatory mechanisms involved in cardiovascular disease. By using animal models, in-vitro studies and large patient cohorts we develop new treatments and biomarkers for translation into clinical practice. We are particularly interested in experimental and clinical studies of myocardial infarction, myocarditis and sepsis. We are promoting a broad cooperation between our group members and 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. You can read more about our research on our website.

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 duties and responsibilities
We are looking for a motivated Postdoctoral research fellow for a unique project aiming to develop an immunomodulatory treatment against cardiac inflammation, by targeting the pro-inflammatory alarmin S100A8/A9. More information about the treatment can be found in our recent publications in the European Heart Journal (Marinkovic et al, 2019) and Circulation Research (Marinkovic et al, 2020). The treatment has recently been highlighted in Nature Reviews in Immunology as one of the most promising up-and-coming anti-inflammatory therapies in myocardial infarction. In-vivo and in-vitro experiments will be performed to define the underlying immunopathological mechanisms and to develop 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:

• Mouse models of myocardial infarction, myocarditis and sepsis
• Cell culture – immune cells, cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells
• Analysis of cell function, gene expression, signaling pathways, NLRP3 inflammasome activation
• Single-cell CITEseq and RNAseq analyses
• Analyses of mitochondrial function and cell metabolism
• Epigenetic analyses
• Flow cytometry
• Histology

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 date of the announcement. 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 development of scientific and pedagogical merit. Development of research merit is prioritized, but there are also opportunities for higher education pedagogical training. Teaching may be included in the tasks.

For the employment as a postdoctoral research, scientific ability will primarily be considered.

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/or primary cells
• Experience of experimental animal work, preferably models of cardiovascular disease
• High proficiency in English, in speech and writing
• Motivation and genuine interest in experimental research

The following are considered to be a merit:

• Earlier work with cardiomyocytes
• Earlier experience with mouse models of myocardial infarction, myocarditis and sepsis
• Good experience of cell signaling research
• Experience of flow cytometry
• Earlier work with mitochondria
• Good knowledge of immunology
• Knowledge of NLRP3 inflammasome priming and activation
• Experience with RNAseq, scRNA or CITEseq analysis
• Good knowledge of microsurgery, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, ELISA, RT-PCR, Western Blot

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 2023-06-01 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 why you are interested in the project and 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. Complete publication list (can be included in the CV). Copy of PhD diploma (or equivalent, stating the date of PhD graduation).