Postdoctoral Fellow in Vaccine Immunology

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 53 500 students and 6 500 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Institute of Biomedicine is involved in both research and education. In both of these areas, we focus on fundamental knowledge of the living cell – what it consists of, how it works, how its function is directed by the genetic material, and how it interacts with various kinds of micro-organisms. Using this knowledge, we try to elucidate the causes of diseases, and find new ways to diagnose and treat them.

The Institute is composed of the following four departments:

• The Department of Infectious Diseases
• The Department of Microbiology and Immunology
• The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology
• The Department of Laboratory Medicine

At present, the institute has about 360 employees and approximately 440 million SEK in total assets.

A 24 months full time position is available within the research group led by Associate Professor Ali Harandi, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. The overarching objective of the research activities in the group is understanding mechanisms of action of human vaccines and immunity to human pathogens using advanced immunological assays along with cutting edge omics technologies and systems biology approaches.

Vaccine Immunology Evaluation

The development of novel vaccines may be facilitated by a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of action of vaccines as it pertains to their interaction with the immune system. Recent advancements in development of 3D models of human mucosal tissues along with cutting edge immune read out assays are beginning to speed up vaccine research and development. Ali Harandi’s research group is currently involved in several European Commission-funded collaborative projects involving several partners from academia, Pharma and SMEs with the main objective of further enhancing our understanding of vaccine mechanisms of action and developing advanced assays to read out the immune responses induced by human pathogens and vaccines. The research is carried out by employing advanced immunological methods combined with cutting-edge omics technology and systems biology approaches.

The postdoctoral fellow is expected to conduct studies within one or more of the ongoing projects in the group. In particular, the postdoctoral fellow will conduct research on advanced serology assessment of exploratory human vaccines and pathogens and development of ex vivo urovaginal models and assays for herpes simplex virus type 2. This position may also partly includes coordination and management activities of ongoing research projects in the team.

An achieved doctoral degree is compulsory for a position as postdoctor at Göteborg University. The doctoral thesis shall be in a relevant area according to the specific position stated here. Since a position as postdoctor aims to give new holders of the doctorate the opportunity mainly to strengthen and develop their scholarly proficiency, we aim for those who have a doctoral degree not older than 3 years counting from last date of application.

The qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

A PhD in immunology or in one of the closely related fields , and hands on experience and expertise  in conventional serology, and cell culture techniques are required. Expertise in vaccine immunology research, and state-of-the art virus assays e.g., virus plaque assay and neutralization assay is a strong merit.  Prior experience in working with 3D human tissue and organoid models is also a merit, but not deemed as critical. The successful candidate is required to possess excellent communicative skills particularly regarding scientific communication in English, a high degree of autonomy as well as team working, a developed way of critical thinking, and a profound ability to meet the deliverables and milestones of large collaborative research projects.

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

The employment is full time and temporary, two years, with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed.

Please contact Ali Harandi, Researcher, +46 733-46 69 67, [email protected]

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In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The application should contain:

- A cover letter giving a brief description of previous research experience, and a motivation to why you are applying

- A CV including a list of publications

- Proof of completed PhD

- Contact details of two references

Closing date: 2021-10-05

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Salary is determined on an individual basis.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.

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.