Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Rheumatology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace
The work will primarily be conducted at the Biomedical Centre (BMC) in Lund. The research group, Lund Arthritis Research Group (LARG), mainly focuses on research into the clinical and immunological aspects of vaccination in inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The research is deeply rooted in both clinical and preclinical projects. The projects associated with this position are primarily focused on laboratory research. The main focus will be to investigate how various antirheumatic treatments (traditional immunomodulatory drugs such as methotrexate and biological therapies with different mechanisms of action) affect antibody and T-cell responses in connection with vaccination (e.g., against COVID-19, shingles, RSV), as well as the mechanisms behind these responses. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with healthcare services, which includes handling patient samples. 

The research group consists of the principal investigator (Meliha Kapetanovic), two PhD students, three postdoctoral researchers, one biomedical analyst, 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 from the Division of Rheumatology and Fredrik Kahn from the Division of Infectious Medicine.

Within the research group, we strive for a close and positive working environment, and the group holds at least one meeting per week to discuss the various projects. The research is also conducted in close collaboration with adult rheumatology and infectious medicine, where we exchange methodologies and knowledge.

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 should provide opportunities for scientific and educational merit. Primarily, the focus is on research qualifications, but some higher education pedagogical training may also be included. Teaching may also be part of the duties.

As a postdoctoral researcher in the current research group, you will participate in and independently conduct laboratory research projects in immunology related to various rheumatic diseases.

The work involves investigating immunological mechanisms from different perspectives and using various approaches. Duties also include writing applications and reports, as well as supervising students. As a postdoctoral researcher, you are expected to take responsibility for leading and conducting projects and contributing to constructive discussions within the research group. Other tasks may also be relevant.

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.

Qualifications

Required:

• A doctoral degree in medicine/medical sciences or equivalent.
• Experience in laboratory research within the fields of infectious medicine/microbiology/virology and immunology.
• Good collaboration skills and an appreciation for working in a team.

Meritorious:

• A doctoral degree in immunology, rheumatology, infectious medicine/microbiology/virology or equivalent.
• Experience in research on immunological rheumatic, autoimmune, or autoinflammatory diseases.
• Experience with microscopy, mass spectrometry, and flow cytometry.
• Experience from both industry and academia.
• Good planning skills and ability to take personal responsibility.
• Creative thinking and ability to design projects.
• A positive and driven personality.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term position for two years starting on 2025-12-01, 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!