Postdoktor in Experimental immunology

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At the Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, at the Institute of Medicine, the main research areas are inflammation and inflammatory diseases irrespective of whether they are caused by allergies, infections or are autoimmune diseases. The aim is to investigate the underpinning mechanisms behind the inflammation. Several of our researchers also work as senior consultants at the clinics at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, which is a great advantage especially for translational research.  

Olov Ekwall’s research group is focused on studies of central tolerance induction in the thymus during normal and pathological conditions, especially autoimmune diseases. We study patients, human thymus tissue, ex vivo and in vitro models in our studies. 

Subject area

Experimental immunology 

Subject description

In this project, we study sex differences in tolerance induction in human thymus and the impact on the development of autoimmune disorders. Unsupervised large-scale omics analyses of gene and protein expression on single-cell level, cell population level and tissue sections are combined with targeted functional immunological assays to identify and validate sex differences of significance. 

Duties

The main responsibility is to carry out a research project independently and to publish the project results in scientific journals.  

Within the project we have generated data from analyses of human thymus tissue using RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, Visium Spatial Transcriptomics and CODEX Spatial Proteomics. The main assignment is to analyze and integrate these data and, based on the results, design and perform targeted functional immunological experiments. The experimental work may include animal studies. 

Additional responsibilities include supervision of students, reviewing relevant literature, writing scientific articles, participation in seminars and conferences, grant applications and collaboration with other researchers. 

Eligibility   

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 and have a strong track record in bioinformatics and experimental human immunology. 

Well documented experience in bioinformatic analysis of results from data generated using large-scale omics methods e.g. RNAseq, scRNAseq, Visium Spatial Transcriptomics, CODEX Spatial Proteomics or similar methods are required, as is experience in experimental immunological research on human thymus, including flow cytometry and cell sorting. Strong programming skills, knowledge of biological databases and data integration as well as data visualization are required. Knowledge and skills in molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy and other basic immunological are considered merits. 

Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is essential. The ability to independently analyze and interpret data and to write scientific publications is required as are flexibility, accuracy and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability. 

Employment   

Employment type: Fixed-term, 24 months.
Extent: 100%, full time.
Location: Institution of medicin, Gothenburg.
Start date: 2026-06-18.

Contact 

Olov Ekwall, MD, PhD 
Professor, PI 
Tfn: +46 31 3438085 
olov.ekwall@gu.se

Mattias Svensson
Head of department, ass prof
+46-73-513 39 49
mattias.svensson@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   

Please attach PhD certificate with the application, if the PhD certificate has not yet been issued, it needs to be attached at the latest at the time when the employment decision is to be made.

You can apply to be admitted to doctoral education via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.   

The application should contain:

• CV
• Certificate of completed PhD
• Contact details of two references

Applications must be received by: 2026-04-28

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/ 

  

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