Postdoctoral fellow: Imaging of Bacterial Gut Infections in Human Enteroid and Colonoid Models

Published: 2023-03-02

The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM) at Uppsala University provides a broad international environment for research and teaching. The Department's research covers three collaborative and partially integrated sections: Cancer, infections and immunity as well as genetics and genomics. More info: https://www.imbim.uu.se/research-areas/

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Project description: The Sellin research group (www.sellinlab.se) at IMBIM, Uppsala University and SciLifeLab, studies how gut pathogens, such as Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter species, interact with the mammalian intestinal mucosa and cause disease.

The advertised post-doctoral project builds up the groups recent development of human intestinal epithelial organoid models (enteroids and colonoids) and imaging tools to follow bacterial infections in real time at high temporal and spatial resolution. For examples of recently published work, please see:

van Rijn & Eriksson et al 2022, MBio (https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.00022-22).

Samperio Ventayol et al 2021, PNAS (https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2013963118).

Geiser et al 2021, MBio (https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.02684-20). 

Fattinger et al 2020, PLoS Pathogens (https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1008503).

The recruited post-doctoral fellow will 1) further develop our 3D and 2D human enteroid and colonoid infection models, 2) employ live-cell microscopy to trace bacterial (Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter) infection cycle events in these models, and 3) use bacterial and mammalian genetics and targeted epithelial cell differentiation to explore how the interactions between bacterial virulence factors and host cell features dictate the infection outcome. Significant freedom is given to the candidate to, in consultation with the principal investigator, develop the project in a desired direction. The project has received strong financial support through a Swedish Research Council Consolidator Grant (10MSEK over the years 2023-2027).

Duties: 100% post-doctoral research fellow.

Formal requirement: PhD degree, preferably with a focus on either cell biology, organoid modelling, infection biology, innate immunity or a related topic. To be eligible you must have a PhD completed within three years of the application deadline. If you received your PhD earlier but special circumstances exist you are also eligible to apply.

Additional qualifications: We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in mammalian cell culture theory and methodology and/or advanced bioimaging and image analysis. Experience with culturing of primary cells and organoids, handling of biosafety 2-level pathogenic bacteria, and live-cell microscopy is regarded as particular strengths. The candidate is expected to take own initiatives as well as collaborate with colleagues within the group and our national and international partners. Finally, significant weight will be given to personal suitability. 

Application: Please submit your application including i) a CV, ii) a cover letter describing your research interests, skills and motivation to apply for the position, iii) publications and/or a copy of your PhD thesis, together with iv) contact information of at least two referees (phone number and e-mail address). 

About the employment: The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement with eventual possibility for prolongation. Scope of employment 100%. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position: please contact Senior lecturer Mikael Sellin, mikael.sellin@imbim.uu.se, +46 73 9135253: 

Please submit your written application no later than April 5, 2023, UFV-PA 2023/799

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