Postdoctoral Position in Microbiology

University of Gothenburg

Reference number: PAR 2026/41
Application deadline: 15 March 2026
Location: Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Employment type: Full-time, temporary, 2 years (with potential 1-year extension)

About the University of Gothenburg

The University of Gothenburg is a leading university with 58,000 students and 6,800 employees, addressing societal challenges through research, education, and innovation. It provides a stimulating and internationally oriented research environment.

About the Institute of Biomedicine

The Institute of Biomedicine focuses on fundamental understanding of the living cell and disease mechanisms, aiming to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The Institute comprises four departments:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology
• Laboratory Medicine

It has ~340 employees and assets totaling ~450 million SEK.

Project Overview

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 in collaboration with AstraZeneca and supported by the Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine (WCMTM).
• It involves functional studies of proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) during kidney injury.
• Goals include identifying molecular programs underlying epithelial dysfunction and discovering targetable pathways relevant to kidney disease.
• The lab provides access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, clinical researchers, and international collaborators.

Duties

The postdoc will:

• Lead experimental work across multiple PTEC injury models (toxic, metabolic, inflammatory, hypoxia–reoxygenation)
• Perform functional uptake assays using fluorescently labelled albumin
• Prepare single-cell RNA sequencing libraries (SmartSeq2, 10X Genomics, Parse)
• Conduct cell and tissue imaging and data generation from primary human PTECs and acute kidney slices
• Collaborate with computational researchers for downstream analysis
• Design validation experiments using molecular biology and imaging-based methods
• Document and optimize protocols, present results in meetings and conferences, and contribute to manuscript preparation
• Mentor junior researchers and students

Eligibility

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Systems Biology, or related life sciences
• Eligibility must be met before the employment decision
• Preference for candidates who completed their degree within the last 3 years, unless special grounds exist (e.g., parental leave, clinical service, union assignments)

Required Skills

• Hands-on experience with cell-based assays, tissue culture, and microscopy
• Molecular biology techniques (RNA extraction, qPCR, NGS library prep)
• Knowledge of single-cell RNA sequencing highly desirable
• Experience with functional assays in epithelial cells or kidney models
• Flow cytometry/FACS and high-dimensional data analysis (Python) are considered merits
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
• Strong motivation, accuracy, organizational skills, and fluency in English

Employment Conditions

• Full-time, temporary 2-year position with the possibility of 1-year extension
• Placement: Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg
• Start date: As agreed

Application Instructions

Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg recruitment portal. Ensure your application is complete, including:

1. Short statement describing your training, interests, future goals, and motivation
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Proof of completed PhD
4. Contact details of two references

Deadline: 15 March 2026

Contact Information

• Scientific questions: Dr. Joan Camuñas Soler – joan.camunas@gu.se
• Recruitment questions: University HR
• Union representatives: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande

Information for International Applicants

• Guidance for relocating to Gothenburg:
  • https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
  • https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
• Salaries are set individually
• The University promotes equality, diversity, and a supportive work environment
• Application documents are archived for two years