Postdoctoral Position in B Cell-Mediated Mucosal Immunity

The Department of Clinical Microbiology is seeking a motivated and PhD-qualified immunologist or molecular biologist to join Professor Mattias Forsell's research group. This postdoctoral position focuses on contributing to innovative research on immune repertoires and transcriptional patterns in B cells, with a particular emphasis on how these affect mucosal antibody responses, specifically IgA, and the formation of immunological memory.

Description of the project

The primary project aims to investigate how humoral immunity develops and is maintained in mucosal tissues and blood during respiratory viral and bacterial infections. The study is based on longitudinal patient cohorts, with samples of blood and saliva collected during and after infection or vaccination. Our overarching goal is to map the mechanisms that lead to long-lasting antibody-based immunity in mucosal tissues, with a focus on IgA, and contribute knowledge essential for the development of future mucosal vaccines and antibody therapies. The project is part of a larger collaborative effort between Umeå University, Karolinska Institute, the Royal Institute of Technology, and Linköping University, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.

Work responsibilities

As a postdoc in our team, you will be an integral part of a dynamic and ambitious research group that focuses on genetic, molecular, and functional analyses of B cell and antibody responses. Your work will involve laboratory-based research, extensive data analysis, and project management in collaboration with our partners. The position also offers opportunities for gaining teaching experience, particularly in immunology and hematology.

Eligibility

Eligible to be employed as a postdoctoral fellow are those who have obtained a doctoral degree, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree, in immunology, virology, vaccination, or a related field.This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled at the latest at the time of the recruitment decision. You should have excellent skills in both written and spoken English, as well as strong theoretical and practical knowledge in immunological methods.

Additional useful qualifications

As a postdoctoral position is a merit-based position for junior researchers, we are primarily interested in those who have a doctoral degree that is no older than three years from the application deadline. If there are special reasons, those with an earlier doctoral degree may be considered. Special reasons include excellence within the research field or leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, clinical service, positions of trust in trade unions or other similar circumstances, as well as service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

Practical experience and methodological knowledge in immune repertoire sequencing (VDJ) and/or RNAseq are highly desirable. Experience with cell sorting through flow cytometry and immunoglobulin mass spectrometry is also advantageous for this project.

More information about the position

The position is a fixed-term full-time position for two years, according to the terms of the agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoc from February 1, 2022. Start date by agreement, but no earlier than January 1, 2025.

Contact: Professor Mattias Forsell (mattias.forsell@umu.se) or visit our group webpage.

Application

The application must include:

• A brief description of your research interests and a statement describing why you are interested in the position.
• CV
• List of publications
• Degree certificate from doctoral studies and other relevant degrees
• Contact details of two reference persons

The application must be written in English. The application must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received latest 2024-12-10.

We look forward to receiving your application.