Researcher

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

We have approximately as many bacterial cells as human cells in our bodies, and these bacteria interact with each other in complex ecosystems that together constitute our microbiota and can influence our health. By combining clinical samples with gnotobiotic animal models, we have demonstrated that the gut microbiota influences our physiology and metabolism. We are now seeking a researcher to work with animal models to investigate how metabolites produced by the gut microbiota can influence our physiology and contribute to the development of various diseases, including cardiometabolic diseases and cancer. The project focuses on establishing causal relationships between the microbially produced metabolite imidazole propionate (ImP), diet, and intestinal cancer.

Read more about the research group here: https://backhedlab.org/

Duties

Investigate how diet and the gut microbiota, with a particular focus on the microbially produced metabolite imidazole propionate (ImP), interact and contribute to cancer development in different animal models. The studies will be conducted using conventionally raised, genetically modified, and gnotobiotic mice. These experiments will be complemented by studies of organoids derived from the small and large intestines of both mice and humans. Tissue samples and organoids will be analyzed using histological, biochemical, and molecular biology methods.

Qualifications

For the position, a PhD in gut physiology or a related field is required. Documented experience in advanced experimental work using mouse models to study gut physiology, intestinal homeostasis, and disease mechanisms is required. This includes dissection of intestinal tissue, histological analysis of intestinal morphology using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunofluorescence (IF), and immunohistochemistry (IHC), as well as assessment of intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, gut barrier function, and inflammation. Experience in the quantification and histological analysis of intestinal tumors is also required.

The candidate must also have experience investigating intestinal function using cell-based models and organoids, including the assessment of proliferation, migration, inflammation, and apoptosis. Experience with molecular biology techniques, including gene expression analysis using qPCR, protein analysis using Western blotting, and gene knockdown in cells and organoids using RNA interference, is highly advantageous. Furthermore, the candidate must have experience isolating intestinal crypts from the small and large intestines of both mice and humans, as well as establishing 2D and 3D organoid culture systems. Additional technical skills, including embedding, sectioning, and histological analysis of organoids, are considered particularly advantageous.

The candidate is required to have experience working with mouse models of cancer, including ApcMin/+, AOM/DSS, and xenograft models, as well as establishing transgenic mouse models through breeding, genotyping, and validation of the new mouse lines. In addition, the candidate must be able to work independently with gnotobiotic and germ-free mouse models.

You should be able to express yourself well in English, both orally and in writing. It is important that the applicant is creative, can work independently, but at the same time collaborate well with other researchers and clinicians within a larger team, and great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Employment

Type of employment: Temporary employment, 12 months
Extent: 100 %
Location: Institute of Medicine, Gothenburg
First day of employment: As soon as possible or according to agreement

Contact information for the post

Fredrik Bäckhed
Professor
+46(0)702-182 355
fredrik.backhed@wlab.gu.se

Malin Levin
Head of Department
malin.levin@wlab.gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply-for-a-position#collective-agreement-and-union-representatives

Information for International Applicants

Visit the webpage Join us - jobs and career (https://www.gu.se/en/medicine/about-us/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.

Application

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. 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.

Please enclose PhD certificate with the application.

Applications must be received by: 2026-12-01

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.