Postdoctor in obstetrics and gynecology

Reference number PAR 2024/434

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Institute of Clinical Sciences is one of six Institutes within Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg. We conduct research and education that puts people's health and quality of life in focus. We represent 16 different research areas and are divided into four sections.

The department of obstetrics and gynecology conducts research in reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes. Many of the research group leaders have a translational approach with laboratory based research in connection to clinical research.

The employment is within Lina Bergman’s research group that focuses on preeclampsia with its complications for mother and offspring in short- and long-term. The research activities include biobanks and databases in Sweden and South Africa, epidemiological studies, randomized controlled trials of drugs to treat preeclampsia, in vitro studies of the blood-brain barrier and immunological reactions in the brain and an animal model of preeclampsia. The position will be located to the laboratory for neurophysiology at Sahlgrenska Academy where Lina Bergman’s research group conducts their preclinical research and at Astra Zeneca in Rob Menzie’s kidney group.

The research group of Lina Bergman is also part of the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational medicine, (https://www.gu.se/en/molecular-translational-medicine), which means many excellent opportunities for career development and scientific exchange.

Subject area 

Acute and chronic kidney injury in preeclampsia

Subject area description 

The kidney is a central organ in preeclampsia as most women are diagnosed by hypertension and excess proteinuria characterized by glomerular endothelial damage and podocyte loss. Preeclampsia is a multi-organ endothelial disorder of pregnancy and one of the most important direct causes to maternal mortality and morbidity. Kidney disease is rarely reversable, and yet in preeclampsia, can resolve by poorly understood mechanisms. Still, women with previous preeclampsia are at 2-3 times increased risk of chronic kidney disease later in life. In this project we aim to investigate if mechanistic biomarkers for kidney damage (or repair) are increased in plasma in a cohort of women with preeclampsia of different severity at multiple timepoints. We also aim to investigate if fluid retention could be useful in diagnosing and predicting pulmonary edema, one of the most serious complications of pregnancy. This post-doc project between Astra Zeneca and WCMTM would make use of the methods and knowledge of the renal team, led by Rob Menzies at AZ, and the Preeclampsia research group led by Lina Bergman, University of Gothenburg.

Duties 

The tasks include to analyze metabolomics and other omics data from plasma from the clinical cohorts of women with preeclampsia included in Lina Bergman’s group. The tasks also include to participate in the pre-clinical animal models of preeclampsia and kidney injury in Lina Bergman’s and Rob Menzies’ laboratories. The tasks also include to take part in supervision of PhD students at the laboratory and other students when they are at the laboratory. Finally, the tasks also involve to compile the results and writing of publications.

Eligibility 

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 

To qualify the applicant should have a Ph.D. in relevant subject. Highly proficient in spoken and written English is necessary. Knowledge of Swedish is an asset. Knowledge of the bioinformatic analysis of large multi-omics datasets is an asset.

Meriting experience from working with output of omics-data studies, and experience from in vivo experiments. Previous knowledge in renal physiology and anatomy is also meriting, as is experience in handling animals and approved course in animal research and practical laboratory experience.

The applicant is expected to plan, execute, and analyze experiments in an independent manner and to actively contribute scientifically to the group. We value a candidate who is driven, organizational, meticulous, effective and independent. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Employment 

The employment is limited (temporary) for 24 months, 100 % of full-time and is placed at the Institute of Clinical Sciences, department of obstetrics and gynecology. Starting date; On agreement.

Contact information 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact associate professor Lina Bergman; phone: + 46 707920780 or email: lina.bergman.2@gu.se or senior researcher Robert Menzies, e-mail: robert.menzies@astrazeneca.com

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. Attach a description over your strengths and what you believe would be your contributions to the research group Also describe your career goals for the coming 5 years.  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.  

 

Applications must be received by: 2024-05-16

  

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.