Karolinska Institutet invites applications for a Postdoc in the functional metabolomics of lipid mediators in chronic respiratory disease.
Area of responsibilities/description of the work
We have an opening for an individual wishing to join a multidisciplinary and translational project aimed to understand mechanisms in obstructive lung disease. Chronic lung disease is one of the largest noncommunicable diseases globally, with 4 million deaths in 2012 alone. Omega 3 fatty acids are found naturally in fish oil and are commonly thought to possess anti-inflammatory properties, with protective effects in inflammatory diseases including asthma. The mechanisms of these effects remain mostly unknown, but are of great interest for their potential therapeutic applications. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs: protectins, resolvins, and maresins) are generated from omega 3 fatty acids via multiple enzymatic reactions. Several reports have indicated that SPM biosynthesis is impaired in severe asthma, suggesting that chronic inflammation in the lung might result from a resolution defect.
This project will use mass spectrometry-based methods to quantify the lipid mediator profile in human lung to determine its ability to synthesize these pro-resolving mediators. Functional studies will be performed on ex vivo lung tissue to evaluate the ability of the omega 3-derived lipid mediators to reduce bronchoconstriction. These studies will be performed in combination with common allergens and bronchoprovacations. Investigations will also be performed in multiple cell types to generate a biochemical map of both pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediators. The identified lipid mediator profiles will be used to guide systems medicine-based studies to stratify patients in order to understand the mechanisms driving this heterogeneous disease, with the aim of identifying sub-phenotypes to inform patient diagnosis and treatment strategies. The successful applicant will belong to the Integrative Molecular Phenotyping laboratory (http://metabolomics.se) in the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics. The Department has a strong and internationally recognized research tradition in the physiology and pathobiology of bioactive lipids, including awarding of the Noble Prize for the discovery of eicosanoids. The research environment includes working with state-of-the-art equipment, including multiple mass spectrometers. This 4-year project is funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR). This full-time position is temporary (two years), with potential for renewal for at least 2 more years.
Qualifications
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a Ph.D. in quantitative mass spectrometry or bioanalytical chemistry. The successful candidate will be expected to use and further develop mass spectrometry-based methods for metabolic profiling of lipid mediators. Accordingly, applicants need to document their experience in small molecule mass spectrometry by LC-MS/MS. We are especially interested in candidates with prior experience working with eicosanoids or other bioactive lipid mediators in inflammatory systems. Experience in cell culture and FACS analysis would be a significant merit as is experience with multivariate statistics, biomedical training, clinical research or studies of metabolism. Excellent communication skills and an ability to interact socially and scientifically with other post docs and students in the laboratory, and with collaborators in various networks are essential. Previous post doc experience and a strong publication record are also strong merits.
Entry requirements
A person is eligible for a position as Postdoctoral Researcher if she or he has obtained a PhD or a foreign qualification deemed equivalent to a doctorate, no more than seven years before the last date of employment as postdoc. Applicants who have completed their degree no more than three years before the last date for applications will be given priority. Candidates who have completed their degree earlier than this date will receive equal priority if special grounds exist (e.g., parental leave, military service). Application Applications consisting of cover letter, full CV and references should be submitted via MyNetwork recruitment system.
Karolinska Institutet is one of the world´s leading medical universities. Its mission is to contribute to the improvement of human health through research and education. Karolinska Institutet accounts for over 40 per cent of the medical academic research conducted in Sweden and offers the country´s broadest range of education in medicine and health sciences. Since 1901 the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has selected the Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine.
Pursuant to the regulations of the Swedish National Archives, applications are kept on file for two years after the appointment has gained legal force. The regulations do not apply to attachments that have been printed or otherwise published.
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