Postdoctor in single-cell genomics and imaging of kidney injury
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: 2026-08-21
Information for International Applicants
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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.