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Subject area
Mucus and mucosal biology
Subject area description
The full ad can be found here. The intestine is constantly exposed to a wide range of harmful substances. To protect the epithelial surface, the body relies on multiple defense mechanisms, including a mucus layer and the glycocalyx covering epithelium. Defects in these systems are associated with infections, chronic inflammation, and cancer. The project, funded by the Gates Foundation, focuses on how mucin barriers are affected in Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED), a condition characterized by low-grade inflammation in the small intestine and impaired nutrient absorption, resulting in stunted growth and poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. The overall goal of the project is to identify mucin barrier defects that contribute to EED and to develop preventive or therapeutic strategies.
Duties
You will analyze EED patient biopsies and brushings; optimize histochemical assays for proteins, glycans, and RNA; and develop semi-automated microscopy and image-analysis workflows. You will characterize barrier defects, epithelial differentiation/turnover, and epithelial–immune–bacterial interactions using advanced histology, high-resolution microscopy, and cell/molecular methods, with validation by mass spectrometry. You will manage sample logistics (standardized collection, processing, documentation) and work independently across project planning, execution, evaluation, and reporting. The role includes supervising team members. You are expected to both leverage and strengthen the research environment.
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.
To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made.
In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.
Assessment criteria
Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field. Selection will prioritize scientific and methodological excellence and strong professional qualities, with particular value placed on research and publications related to mucins and related protective barriers. Required experience includes tissue processing and histology; proficiency in microscopy-based analyses and image processing is highly desirable. Additional expertise in mass spectrometry, biochemical assays, or molecular biology is an asset. The role is embedded in a collaborative team with local and international partners, requiring strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Prior supervisory experience is preferred, as the position includes leadership and mentorship responsibilities.
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is required.
Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.
Employment
The employment is full time and temporary, two years with the possibility of one year's extension, with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed.
Contact information
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Malin Johansson, Professor, +46 729610501, malin.johansson@medkem.gu.se
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande
Application
Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.
- A cover letter giving a brief description of previous research experience, and a motivation to why you are applying
- A CV including a list of publications and the topic of the PhD thesis
- Contact details of two references
- Proof of completed PhD
Applications must be received by: 2025-09-09
Information for International Applicants
Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.
Salaries are set individually at the University.
In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.
In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.