Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Paediatrics

Description of the workplace

The work will primarily be conducted at the Biomedical Centre (BMC) in Lund. The research group, Pediatric Rheumatology Research Center, focuses mainly on the pediatric rheumatic disease juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The research is deeply rooted in both clinical and preclinical projects. The projects related to this position are primarily focused on laboratory-based research in immunology related to JIA. The main objective will be to investigate how immunological mechanisms and cells contribute to disease and arthritis development.

The work will be carried out in close collaboration with healthcare providers, including handling of patient samples. The postdoctoral position is part of the WCMM IGNITE postdoctoral program (https://www.wcmm.lu.se/ignite-postdoc-fellow-program), and the applicant is expected to participate in its activities.

The research group includes the principal investigator (Robin Kahn), one PhD student, three postdoctoral researchers, one biomedical laboratory scientist, and clinical research assistants/nurses. Students at various educational levels are also involved in the group.
Co-supervisors for the project will be Professor Anders Bengtsson at the Division of Rheumatology and Associate Professor Pontus Nordenfelt at the Division of Infectious Medicine.

Within the group, we aim to foster a close and positive working environment. The group holds at least one meeting per week to discuss ongoing projects. The research is also conducted in close collaboration with adult rheumatology and infectious medicine, where we share methodologies and expertise.

What we offer
Lund University is a public authority, which means you receive special benefits, generous vacation entitlements, and a favorable occupational pension. Read more on the university's website about working at Lund University: Working with us.

Duties and areas of responsibility
At Lund University, a postdoctoral position is intended to provide opportunities for scientific and educational qualifications. The primary focus is on developing research merits, although opportunities for pedagogical development are also provided. Teaching duties may be included.

As a postdoctoral researcher in this group, you will participate in and independently conduct laboratory research projects within immunology related to juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The work involves investigating immunological mechanisms from various perspectives and with different approaches. Duties also include writing grant applications and reports, as well as supervising students.
As a postdoc, you are expected to take responsibility for leading and carrying out research projects and contribute to constructive discussions within the research group.

Other tasks may also be assigned.

Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for a postdoctoral position, the applicant must have obtained a doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This requirement must be fulfilled at the time a hiring decision is made, and proof of the degree must be submitted by that time. Priority will be given to those who have obtained their doctoral degree within the last three (3) years. If there are special circumstances, the degree may have been awarded earlier. Special circumstances include leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical service, union duties, or similar.

Assessment criteria
At Lund University, a postdoctoral position is intended to provide opportunities for scientific and educational qualifications. The primary emphasis is placed on scientific qualifications, although pedagogical training and teaching may also be considered.
Scientific ability in the relevant field will be the main criterion in the assessment.

Additional qualifications

Required:

• A PhD in medicine/medical sciences or an equivalent field.
• Experience in laboratory-based research.
• Strong collaborative skills and an appreciation for team-based work.
• Good planning abilities and the capacity to take initiative.
• Creative thinking and the ability to design research projects.
• A positive and motivated personality.

Meritorious:

• A PhD in immunology or rheumatology or an equivalent field.
• Research experience in immunological rheumatic, autoimmune, or autoinflammatory diseases.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term position for two years starting on 2025-11-01, or as agreed.
Employment at Lund University is based in Sweden, and you are therefore expected to perform your duties on-site in Lund.

The position is limited to a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years in accordance with the collective agreement on fixed-term postdoctoral appointments (Arbetsgivarverket). A postdoctoral position is intended as an initial step in an academic career, offering the opportunity to deepen and broaden research competence.

Application instructions
Your application must include:

• A cover letter describing your interest in the project, how you meet the qualifications (including previous independent projects and technical skills), and your research interests and future career plans.
• A CV including the names and contact details of two former supervisors.
• A complete publication list (this can be included in the CV).
• A copy of your PhD diploma or equivalent degree certificate.

We look forward to receiving your application!