The goal of our research group is to understand how inflammatory processes are regulated and what role the so-called G protein-coupled receptors play in this regulation, when it works well and when the balance is disrupted which leads to inflammatory diseases. 

Duties 

Basic cell biology and receptor pharmacology techniques will be used to analyze both blood and tissue neutrophils. The focus will be on signaling, priming status, degranulation, and secretion as well as activation of neutrophils in order to identify and validate significant differences between neutrophils and neutrophil markers from healthy donors and patients with inflammatory disease. The job assignments include several laboratory techniques to study neutrophils and neutrophil markers. At the signaling level, these methods include HTRF-based cAMP assay, activation of various G-protein subtypes, β-arrestin translocation, and cytosolic calcium changes. The most important neutrophil functions that will be studied include migration (chemotaxis), phagocytosis, endocytosis, degranulation, activation of the NADPH oxidase for production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis/necrosis. The laboratory work will also involve cell culture, subcellular fractionation, flow cytometry, ELISA and SDS-PAGE/western blot. In addition to the laboratory work, the job assignments include to compile the obtained results so that these can be presented in both visual and written forms, as well as supervision of students in the research group. 

Qualifications 

The applicant should hold a PhD in the subject of biochemistry, molecular biology, or cell biology. Hands-on experience in working with phagocytes, reactive oxygen metabolites and receptor pharmacology with a focus on G protein-coupled receptors is a requirement. Hands-on experience with microscopy (confocal and total internal reflection fluorescence [TIRF] microscopes) and cell culture is an advantage. The candidate is expected to be active in the design and implementation of his/her projects, as well as to collaborate closely with other members of the team and with other groups. Good communication skills, excellent scientific English in both speech and writing are requirements. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability and personal qualities such as being initiative-taking, flexible, quality-conscious, structured, loyal, and having good cooperation skills will be highly valued.

Employment 

Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, 11 months
Extent: 100 %
Location: Institute of Medicine, Gothenburg
First day of employment: According to agreement

Contact information for the post 

Huamei Forsman
Adjunct Professor
+46(0)70-8701899
huamei.forsman@gu.se

Martina Sundqvist
Researcher
+46(0)70-8173612
martina.sundqvist@rheuma.gu.se

Helena Forsblad D’elia
Professor/Head of Department 
+46(0)76-1103883
helena.forsblad@rheuma.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 

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. 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. 

Please enlose PhD certificate with the application.

Applications must be received by: 2024-03-05

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.