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.

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.

Rheumatology

While rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is canonically recognized as an autoimmune disease, neurologic aspects of the disease are underappreciated despite a high prevalence of depression and cognitive deficits in RA. We hypothesize that inflammation and gut microbiome changes contribute to brain volume loss in RA. Our prior research in mice with inflammatory arthritis revealed microgliosis and reduced hippocampal volume. Additionally, we found that patients with severe RA exhibited smaller hippocampal volumes. Analyzing data from RA patients, we identified specific brain regions correlated with hand function and associated them with RA-related transcriptional changes in peripheral monocytes, including signaling pathways linked to neuroinflammation.

The gut microbiota's role in RA and its impact on the brain are notable, as transferring RA patient microbiota to mice induced proinflammatory cytokines and depression-like behavior. This underscores the gut-brain axis in neurological manifestations of RA. Our project aims to identify bacterial metabolites and immunologic mechanisms influencing brain volume in RA, offering insights into unexplored gut-immune-brain interactions and potentially identifying novel compounds affecting RA patients' brain function.

Job assignments are isolation of anaerobic bacteria from human gut microbiota. Identification of isolated bacteria with 16S sequencing, comparative genomics between isolated bacteria with whole-genome sequencing and metabolomics of secreted metabolites. The employment also involves culturing immune cell lines and analyzing the transcriptome of cells stimulated with bacterial metabolites. Furthermore, the applicant will administer bacterial strains to mice and analyze behavioral and neuroimmunological outcomes.

The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.

To qualify as a postdoctoral researcher the applicant should hold a PhD in a relevant subject. Since postdoctoral constitutes a qualifying appointment for junior researchers, we aim to target those who have a doctoral degree not older than 3 years.

A requirement is a PhD in a relevant subject, such as rheumatology, immunology, microbiology or neuroscience, and international research experience. Scientific excellence demonstrated by publications in high impact scientific journals and grants achieved in strong competition is meriting. Furthermore, documented expertise in rheumatology, the gut microbiota and brain immunity is meriting. The candidate should be proficient in relevant methodology, including anaerobic bacteria culture, cell line culturing, handling experimental models of arthritis and behavioral testing in mice. It is suitable that the candidate can analyze datasets generated by 16S sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, metabolomics and transcriptomics.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability. The candidate should have qualities needed to perform independent research at the Department of rheumatology and inflammation research. Furthermore, the candidate's ability to collaborate and social competence is of importance.

Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, 24 months Extent: 100 % Location: Institute of Medicine, Gothenburg First day of employment: Start date according to agreement, as soon as possible is desirable.

Lill Mårtensson-Bopp Professor +46(0)31-342 2492 [email protected]

Mattias Svensson Deputy Head of Department +46(0)31-786 67 06 [email protected]

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https: // www. gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande

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

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.

Applications must be received by: 2023-10-05

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/

Visit the webpage Join us - jobs and career for more information on the Institute of Medicine and what opportunities we have for you. Discover our world-class research and research infrastructure, as well as what the benefits are for you and your family.

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.