Postdoctor In Microbiota And Metabolism

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The Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, at the Institute of Medicine, conducts translational research primarily on metabolism, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease in order to improve health and healthcare in the community. The overall goal is to create an excellent translational research environment of a very high international standard.

Approximately 50% of the cells in the human body are of microbial origin. By combining clinical materials and gnotobiotic animal models, we have shown that the gut microbiota affects our physiology and metabolism. Our working hypothesis is that several of the microbiota's effects on our physiology are mediated via metabolites that the bacteria produce. We are now recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to investigate how one of these metabolites, imidazole propionate, affects chronic kidney disease.

Microbiota and metabolism

The gut microbiota contains 1000-fold more genes than our own genome contain. Several of these genes encode enzymes that can produce bioactive metabolites. Even if we just started to scratch the surface it has started to become obvious that several of these metabolites may have profound effect on our physiology and metabolism. For example, they can increase or decrease insulin sensitivity and other metabolic phenotypes. Here we will investigate if and how imidazole propionate affects chronic kidney disease.

Establish animal models to study chronic kidney disease. Thereafter, treat mice with imidazole propionate and evaluate if the molecule causes chronic kidney disease. Maintain breeding and genotype genetically modified mice. Analyze mice histologically for kidney fibrosis and function. Study if imidazole propionate affects beta cell function and diabetes in mouse models of metabolic disease.

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.

Strong background in performing animal studies for metabolic diseases and chronic kidney diseases are requirements. Previous experience working with genetically modified mice, microscope and microbial metabolites are highly meritorious. International experience in the relevant research area is meritorious. It is essential that the applicant can interact with other researchers and clinicians within a greater team and great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability such as being able to take own initiatives and being flexible. It is a requirement to be able to communicate well in English, both verbally and in writing.

Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, 36 months Extent: 100 % Location: Institute of Medicine, Gothenburg First day of employment: As soon as possible or according to agreement.

Fredrik Bäckhed Professor +46(0)31-3427833 [email protected]

Malin Levin Head of Department [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: 2023-12-06

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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.