Postdoctor in single-cell genomics and imaging of kidney injury

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 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 340 employees and approximately 450 million SEK in total assets.

The Camuñas-Soler lab is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for a project combining functional cell-based assays and single-cell transcriptomics to study kidney injury. The project is a collaboration with AstraZeneca supported by the Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine (WCMTM).

The Camuñas-Soler lab is part of SciLifeLab and WCMTM and maintains an active network of international collaborators in academia and industry. The research environment provides access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and close interaction with both clinical researchers and AstraZeneca scientists.

Subject area

Single-cell genomics and functional imaging of kidney epithelial injury

Subject area description

The project aims to develop and apply novel experimental methods to study functional heterogeneity in proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) during kidney injury. By combining direct measurements of albumin reabsorption with single-cell transcriptomics, the project seeks to identify molecular programs underlying epithelial dysfunction and to discover targetable pathways relevant to kidney disease.

Duties

The successful candidate will lead experimental work across multiple PTEC injury models, including toxic, metabolic, inflammatory, and hypoxia-reoxygenation stress. Key tasks include functional uptake assays using fluorescently labelled albumin, cell and tissue imaging, preparation of single-cell RNA sequencing libraries, data generation from primary human PTECs and acute kidney slices, and close collaboration with computational researchers for downstream analysis. Validation of candidate pathways in tissue slices will be an additional component of the work.

• Optimization of functional cell-based assays to study proximal tubular epithelial cell (PTEC) physiology and injury responses
• Performing experiments in cell culture systems and acute kidney tissue slices
• Measurement of albumin uptake and other functional readouts using fluorescence-based and imaging approaches
• Preparation of single-cell RNA sequencing libraries using established platforms (e.g. SmartSeq2, 10X Genomics, Parse)
• Generation and quality control of experimental data from functional assays, imaging, and sequencing experiments
• Collaboration with computational researchers for downstream data analysis and interpretation
• Design and execution of validation experiments using molecular biology and imaging-based methods
• Documentation and optimization of experimental protocols
• Presentation of results in group meetings, scientific conferences, and manuscript preparation
• Mentoring of junior researchers and students

Eligibility

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 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

This position is highly experimental and is suited for a researcher with strong hands-on experience in cell-based assays, tissue culture, molecular biology and cell microscopy. Prior experience with single-cell RNA sequencing, functional assays in epithelial cells, or work with primary human material is highly desirable. Experience working in interdisciplinary or translational research environments will be considered a strong asset.

The ideal candidates should also have the following qualifications:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Systems Biology, or a related life science discipline
• Strong hands-on experience in cell-based assays and tissue culture, preferably including primary human cells
• Experience with molecular biology techniques such as RNA extraction, qPCR, and NGS library preparation
• Experience with cell imaging, microscopy techniques, and associated analysis tools (e.g. Fiji)
• Knowledge of single-cell RNA sequencing methods is highly desirable
• Experience with functional assays in epithelial cells or kidney-related models is considered a merit
• Experience with flow cytometry and/or FACS-based cell sorting is considered a merit
• Experience analyzing high-dimensional biological data and programming languages (Python) is considered a merit
• Ability to work independently, plan experiments, and troubleshoot complex experimental workflows
• Strong collaborative skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment
• High level of motivation, accuracy, and organizational skills
• Fluency in English

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

Employment

The employment is full time and temporary, two years with the possibility of one year's extension, with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed.

Selection process

Help for appliants.

Contact information

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Dr. Joan Camuñas Soler: joan.camunas@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.

The application should contain:

- A short statement describing the candidate's training, interests and future goals as well as motivation to apply for this position.

- Curriculum Vitae

- Proof of completed PhD

- Contact details of two references

Applications must be received by:2026-03-15

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.