Postdoctoral fellow in Translational Autoimmunity

Published: 2022-04-14

The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM) at Uppsala University provides a broad international environment for research and teaching. The Department's research covers three collaborative and partially integrated sections: Cancer, infections and immunity as well as genetics and genomics. More info: http://www.imbim.uu.se/research-areas/.

The research programs of the Translational Autoimmunity group, headed by Nils Landegren, explore mechanisms in autoimmune and unexplained diseases. Two main themes of the research are: 1) largescale studies of autoantibody responses as means to understand disease mechanisms and improve diagnostics, 2) studies of genetic factors and hormonal states conferring sex differences in immune-related diseases. More info: https://www.imbim.uu.se/research-groups/genetics-and-genomics/nils-landegren/

We are now seeking an innovative, energetic and collaborative individual to work as part of our team to explore autoimmune mechanisms in infectious disease susceptibility. Individuals vary greatly in their ability to control infections such as COVID-19. It was recently found that 10% of patients with critical COVID-19 harbor autoantibodies against type I interferons that impair protective antiviral responses. On the basis of this and other recent reports, we are realizing that cytokine autoantibodies may be a common, previously overlooked mechanism behind susceptibility to infectious disease.

Job Description: To lead studies exploring the roles of cytokine autoantibodies in immune dysregulation and infectious disease susceptibility. The project will entail developing a multiplex autoantibody assay targeting cytokines with crucial functions in antiviral, -bacterial, and -fungal immunity based on data from monogenic immunodeficiencies. This work will build on our team’s already demonstrated methodology for targeted autoantibody screening and findings of cytokine autoantibodies. The screening panel will be used to characterize cytokine autoantibodies in selected cohorts, including patients with unexplained, severe infectious disease susceptibilities. The studies can provide critical insights in cytokine autoantibody-mediated diseases with direct impact on both diagnostics and therapy. Some teaching may be included.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent work experience in biomedicine, medical genomics, immunology, or other areas relevant to the project. A strong emphasis will be placed in assessing the suitability of the successful candidate for the team.
• Experience in experimental laboratory-based research is essential.
• Experience of analyzing large datasets is important.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English is critical.
• The candidate is expected to both take own initiatives and collaborate with other group members, as well as external cooperators. In the evaluation process, the scientific potential of the candidate will constitute the main criterium.

Eligibility: For employment as postdoc, the applicant should have a PhD exam or an international equivalent within a maximum of three years before the final application date. Under certain circumstances, an earlier PhD can be acceptable. Certain circumstances include leave due to illness, maternity leave, in trade unions, etc.

Pay: Individual salaries

Starting: The position is available as soon as possible or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position for a period of two years, with possibility of extension up to a third year.

Working hours: 100%

For further information about the position please contact: Nils Landegren, nils.landegren@imbim.uu.se

You are welcome to submit your application no later than May 25, 2022. UFV-PA 2022/1279.

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

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.