Postdoctor in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Om jobbet

The University of Gothenburg tackles society's challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 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.

The Institute of Clinical Sciences is one of six Institutes within Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg. We conduct research and education that puts people's health and quality of life in focus. We represent 16 different research areas and are divided into four sections.

The department of obstetrics and gynecology conducts research in reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes. Many of the research group leaders have a translational approach with laboratory based research in connection to clinical research.

The employment is within Lina Bergman's research group that focuses on preeclampsia with its complications for mother and offspring in short- and long-term. A specific research focus is cerebral complications in the mother. The research activities include biobanks and databases in Sweden and South Africa, epidemiological studies, randomized controlled trials of drugs to treat preeclampsia, in vitro studies of the blood-brain barrier and immunological reactions in the brain and an animal model of preeclampsia. The position will be located to the laboratory for neurophysiology at Sahlgrenska Academy where Lina Bergman's research group conducts their preclinical research.

The research group of Lina Bergman is also part of the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational medicine, (https://www.gu.se/en/molecular-translational-medicine), which means many excellent opportunities for career development and scientific exchange.

Subject area

Neuroprotective treatment in preeclampsia and eclampsia with focus on the effects postpartum

Subject area description

The research aims to increase the understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of cerebral complications to preeclampsia and eclampsia and to investigate potential neuroprotective treatments for preeclampsia and eclampsia with focus postpartum. The research will be conducted through animal models (mouse and rat), particularly in the so-called RUPP mode where the blood flow to the uterus is reduced to mimic a preeclampsia-like state with hypertension and end-organ dysfunction. The model is also under development to reflect seizures, eclampsia including evaluation postpartum. The goal with the model is to treat the rats with old and new neuroprotective drugs and evaluate the effect through assessment of the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, degree of neuroinflammation and vessel reactivity. We also plan to investigate memory function in these animals after treatment as a proxy for long-term outcome.

Duties

The tasks include to perform animal surgery as described above, handle animals before and after surgery and collect biological samples after the experiments are terminated. Further, the position includes to take part in the evaluation of the outcomes with techniques present at the laboratory since before. The tasks also include to take part in supervision of PhD students at the laboratory and other students when they are at the laboratory. Specifically for this postdoc assignment, the work focuses on evaluation of persisting neurological injury after preeclampsia and eclampsia by assessment of memory function, executive ability and brain injury at different time points in the animal model. Finally, the tasks also involve to compile the results and writing of publications.

Eligibility

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made.

In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.

Assessment criteria

To qualify the applicant must have a Ph.D. in relevant subject. The applicant must have experience in handling animals and approved course in animal research and practical laboratory experience. Highly proficient in spoken and written English is necessary. Knowledge of Swedish is an asset.

Meriting experience from RUPP surgery, experience from blood-flow investigations, experience from in vivo experiments and experience from testing of executive function and memory in rat models. Previous knowledge in neuroanatomy and / or neurophysiology is also meriting.

The applicant is expected to plan, execute, and analyze experiments in an independent manner and to actively contribute scientifically to the group. We value a candidate who is driven, organizational, meticulous, effective and independent. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Employment

The employment is limited (temporary) for 24 months, 100% of full-time and is placed at the Institute of Clinical Sciences, department of obstetrics and gynecology. Preferably with starting date in June.

Contact information

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Senior consultant, Docent, Lina Bergman; phone +46 707920780 or email lina.bergman@obgyn.gu.se , or Senior researcher Joakim Ek; email joakim.ek@neuro.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

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.

Attach a description over your strengths and what you believe would be your contributions to the research group. Also describe your career goals for the coming 5 years.

The applicant is asked to provide a proof of completed PhD exam.

Applications must be received by:2026-02-24

Information for International Applicants

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/

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.