Postdoc position in host parasite interactions

Institutionen för husdjurens biovetenskaper 

We are looking for a postdoc for a project based on studies of host parasite interactions, with or without anthelmintic resistance. Organoids are established from horse, dog and pig intestinal tissues and challenged with the infective larva stage of Ascarididae round worms, i.e. Parascaris univalens, Toxocara canis, and Ascaris suum. The research will focus on the biology of worm-induced innate immune responses and the interactive capacity (impact) of excretory secretory products released from parasites and intestinal organoids.

About the position

Current project will focus on how Ascarididae infectious larvae impacts on intestinal innate immune responses, including a thorough characterization of host and parasite extracellular vesicle content. It involves cell biological work, genome and transcriptome sequencing (both on population and single-cell level) and proteomics.

The candidate is expected to contribute to experimental design, experimentation, data analyses and publication of results. Furthermore, the candidate will participate in various research-related activities including group meetings, seminars, national/international scientific meetings, as well as contribute to routine work and help supervise (master)-students within the research group. The candidate is also expected to contribute to teaching in the immunology courses given to second year veterinary students.  

The work will be carried out at the “Veterinärmedicinskt och husdjursvetenskapligt centrum (VHC)” at Campus Ultuna, in Uppsala, Sweden. The position is funded via the department (HBIO) and the candidate will have the opportunity to develop into an independent researcher in the field of molecular infection biology.

Your profile 

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctor a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree is required. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled at the latest at the time of the employment decision. It is considered as an advantage if you have completed your doctoral degree within the last five years, but if there are special reasons, your degree may have been completed earlier (up to 10 years).

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong interest in molecular infection biology. Applicants must have a molecular PhD degree in biology, immunology, cell biology, parasitology, infection biology or a related discipline. The successful candidate should have experience with experimental models and molecular biology, as well as experience in cell culturing and different basic cell biology techniques. Language skills in English, both spoken and in written, are a requirement. The applicant must be structured, thorough, independent, flexible, able to work with several different tasks simultaneously and work productively in a team.

A veterinarian degree is a merit. Knowledge of helminth parasitology, experience in flow cytometry analyses and bioinformatics analyses are also meritorious.

About us

HBIO is part of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences and is responsible for education, research and postgraduate studies in several basic and applied scientific areas. These areas include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, breeding and genetics, immunology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, epizootology, comparative medicine, food safety and One Health. Our research covers everything from livestock, sports and companion animals to laboratory animals and wildlife. Researchers in the department work across the entire range from molecular mechanisms and microbiology to the overall structure, function and behaviour of animals and how these are affected by breeding, physical activity, care, production, stress, environmental factors and disease.

For more information about the department or division visit: (https://www.slu.se/institutioner/husdjurens-biovetenskaper/)

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society.

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Uppsala

Form of employment:

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

As agreed. 

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 6 May 2024. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

The position will be offered to the candidate that after a qualitative assessment is deemed to be the most suitable to perform and develop the project tasks as well as contributing to a positive development of the subject area.

Union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.