Postdoctoral position in vascular biology

Published: 2021-02-11

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of around SEK 7 billion.

The Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology at Uppsala University (http://www.igp.uu. se) has a broad research profile with strong research groups focused on cancer, autoimmune and genetic diseases. A fundamental idea at the department is to stimulate translational research and thereby closer interactions between medical research and health care. Research is presently conducted in the following areas: medical and clinical genetics, clinical immunology, pathology, neuro-oncology, vascular biology, radiation science and molecular tools. Department activities are also integrated with the units for Oncology, Clinical Genetics, Clinical Immunology, Clinical Pathology, and Hospital Physics at  Akademiska sjukhuset, Uppsala. The department has teaching assignments in several education programmes, including Master Programmes, at the Faculty of Medicine, and in a number of educations at the Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology. The department has a yearly turnover of around SEK 420 million, out of which more than half is made up of external funding. The staff amounts to approximately 345 employees, out of which 100 are PhD-students, and there are in total more than 700 affiliated people.

The position of a post doc is in Dr Taija Mäkinen’s group at the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology. The research group focuses on studying the regulation of the lymphatic vasculature using genetic mouse models and cell and molecular biology techniques. Further information on the activity of the research group can be found at http://www.makinenlab.com.

Work description: The selected candidate will develop and undertake a research project focused on mechanisms of lymphatic vascular development and disease using genetic mouse models. The project will address one of the following topics: 1) functional characterisation of organ-specific lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells, 2) novel (organ-specific) functions of lymphatic endothelium in homeostasis and disease, or 3) pathogenic mechanisms of PIK3CA-driven vascular malformations.

Requirements: To qualify for an employment as a postdoc you must have a PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in a relevant area of biology or biochemistry (e.g. molecular/cell/developmental biology). The PhD degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the application deadline. The three year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.
- Experience with standard molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA/protein extraction, PCR/qPCR, western blotting, ELISA).
- Experience of mouse genetics (incl. generation and characterisation of transgenic mice, conditional knock-out approaches).
- Experience with histology (tissue preparation and immunostaining) and confocal microscopy.
- Expertise in cell culture assays, in particular primary endothelial isolation, culture and in vitro assays.
- Knowledge of (lymphatic) vascular biology.
- A good publication track record.
- Excellent skills in oral and written English.

Application: The application should contain an application letter with the motivation to join the group, curriculum vitae and list of scientific publications of the candidate. The name and contact details of two references should also be included.

Salary: Individual salary.

Starting date: 01-04-2021 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position of 2 years.

Scope of employment: 100 %.

For further information about the position please contact: Taija Mäkinen, taija.makinen@igp.uu.se, 018-471 4151.

Please submit your application by 26 March 2021, UFV-PA 2021/531.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.

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Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.