Postdoctoral position open to study:
(computational biologist)
The transcriptomic landscape of the intestinal barrier
“The mucosal immune system at the spatial and single-cell resolution”
ONGOING
Transcriptomic analysis at the single-cell level has revolutionized our understanding of the immune system and enabled the discovery of novel immune cell types (or subtypes) activation state in health and disease. The Villablanca Lab is trying to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the establishment of intestinal immune homeostasis and how a breakdown of these mechanisms may lead to immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). Our aim is to interrogate cell composition and function using experimental models of inflammation and taking scRNA-seq approaches. As a highly complementary approach, we are now performing spatial transcriptomics allowing us the visualization of transcriptional landscapes at the topographic level. This position is an exciting opportunity to work on the cutting-edge of the mucosal immunology field utilizing computational biology and data visualization tools. The candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team actively working with renowned collaborators around the globe. The Karolinska Institute provides a vibrant academic ecosystem with close links to top academics who are pioneers in spatial transcriptomics and scRNA-seq-based methodologies. This project is funded by the Wallenberg foundation, Cancerfonden, and the Swedish Research Council.
Entry requirements: The Villablanca Lab (Karolinska Institutet) have opportunities for highly creative and motivated postdoctoral bioinformaticians with an interest in mucosal immunology. We are looking for a candidate with proficiency and documented laboratory research experience, particularly in immune cell biology and bioinformatics analysis. The candidate is expected to become an expert in single-cell genomics and spatial transcriptomics pipelines and in the evaluation of novel methodologies. In addition, the candidate will be responsible for the development, enhancement, and maintenance of the scRNAseq program in the lab. Fluency in both oral and written English is necessary. A person is eligible for a position as a postdoctoral researcher if he or she has obtained a Ph.D. no more than seven years before the last date of postdoc employment. The candidate must enjoy collaborating with other scientists.
Specific requirements
Expertise in scripting language (e.g. R, Phyton)
Formal programming language (e.g. Java)
Expertise in mucosal immunology
Big data processing pipelines
Application documents:
- An application letter and curriculum vitae
- A copy of degree certificates and any other relevant certificates
- A copy of degree projects and previous publications
For more information, please contact: eduardo.villablanca@ki.se
Publications: Frede A., et al., Immunity, 2022; Parigi S.M., et al., Nat Commun, 2022; Czarnewsky P., Nat Commun, 2019; Peloquin J.M., et al., Annu Rev Immunol, 2016; Villablanca EJ, et al., Gut, 2014; Villablanca EJ, et al., Gastroenterology, 2011; Villablanca EJ, et al., Nat Med, 2010.
Postdoctoral position open to study intestinal leukocyte trafficking

“Intestinal leukocyte trafficking in homeostasis and disease”
Description: Beside “gut-centric” conditions, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), emerging evidence indicate that disruption of intestinal homeostasis have systemic consequences. Hence, understanding the gut as a place of immune cell education will give us important insights into the etiology of diseases, including extra-intestinal disorders. The main goal of this project is to investigate how trafficking and development of DC and/or ILCs contribute to maintain intestinal homeostasis. The successful candidate will utilize newly generated genetically modified mouse models to investigate the requirements of novel candidate genes in trafficking to intestinal tissues. Comparison between genetically-modified mice and wild type mice will be carry out using state-of-the-art technology such as single cell RNA-seq and CyTOFF. The candidate will eventually validate her/his finding using human samples. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to work independently, to take the responsibilities of the design, execution, organization, report and development of the research project.
Entry requirements: Our lab has an opening for a highly creative and motivated postdoctoral scientist with an interest in mucosal immunology. We look for a candidate with documented laboratory research experience particularly in mouse models of intestinal inflammation, human myeloid cells and CD4+ T cells biology, culture in vitro and multi-parameter flow cytometry in the context of mucosal immunology. Experience in bioinformatics and RNA-seq analysis would be an advantage. The position will require independent work at the laboratory as well as extensive collaboration with clinicians and other experimental groups. Fluency in both oral and written English is necessary. Documented ability to analyze and present results orally and written is important. Additional requirements include outstanding communications skills and the ability to generate new ideas and innovate.
Scholarships for carrying out postdoctoral research may be granted to persons living in other countries who come to Sweden with the intention of only staying in Sweden for all or part of their postdoctoral education at KI. Persons who are resident in Sweden and/or have carried out all or part of their academc education at KI or some other educational institution in Sweden cannot be considered for scholarships from KI. The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish PhD or higher.
Type of scholarship: A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year perid following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent. This educational scholarship is tax-exempt. The amount is set for twelve months at a time and is paid out on a monthly basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.
Postdoctoral Fellow wanted!

“Using zebrafish to study the impact of gene-environment interactions in inflammatory bowel diseases”
Description: The environment plays a critical role triggering disease in genetically susceptible individuals. The goal of this project is to generate in vivo models to study the interaction between gene function and environmental factors during the initiation/resolution of intestinal inflammation. We have generated CRISPR mutant zebrafish lines targeting IBD-risk genes with unknown function. The successful candidate will characterize these mutants and validate her/his finding in mouse models and human organoids candidate will also generate IBD reporters to visualize immunological processes associated to IBD in the context of genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers.
Entry requirements: Our lab has an opening for a highly creative and motivated postdoctoral scientist with an interest in mucosal immunology. We look for a candidate with proficiency and documented laboratory research experience particularly in molecular biology, in vivo imaging and genetic manipulation in zebrafish. The candidate is expected to work with both zebrafish and mouse models of intestinal inflammation. Experience in bioinformatics and RNA-seq analysis would be an advantage. The position will require independent work at the laboratory as well as extensive collaboration with other experimental groups. Fluency in both oral and written English is necessary. Documented ability to analyze and present results orally and written is important.
Type of scholarship: A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year perid following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent. This educational scholarship is tax-exempt. The amount is set for twelve months at a time and is paid out on a monthly basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.