Postdoctor in Microbiome and Metabolism at University of Gothenburg, Sweden

The University of Gothenburg invites applications for a Postdoctor in Microbiome and Metabolism within the Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine at the Institute of Medicine. This 3-year, full-time research position focuses on investigating causal mechanisms linking gut microbial metabolites to cardiometabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, using advanced gnotobiotic mouse models.

Position Overview

Research Area

The research is based in the Bäckhed Laboratory at the Wallenberg Laboratory. The human gut microbiota affects host physiology and metabolism through bioactive metabolites. This project focuses on establishing causal links between the microbially produced metabolite imidazole propionate (ImP) and cardiometabolic phenotypes, including insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and atherosclerosis, utilizing conventional, transgenic, and gnotobiotic mouse models.

Job Description & Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Investigating causal relationships between microbially produced ImP and cardiometabolic phenotypes in mouse models.
• Working with conventional, gnotobiotic, and colonized mice under germ-free or controlled microbial conditions in isolators and Isocage systems.
• Conducting hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies involving microsurgical catheterization of the jugular vein and carotid artery alongside arterial blood sampling.
• Performing metabolic phenotyping, including glucose and insulin tolerance tests (GTT/ITT) and body composition analysis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Conducting ex vivo assays to measure tissue-specific insulin-stimulated glucose uptake using radioactive isotopes (¹⁴C and ³H).
• Managing, breeding, and genotyping transgenic mouse strains (such as ApoE knockout models and strains studying p38 signaling).
• Dissecting tissues (aorta, heart, lungs, skeletal muscle) and performing histological and plaque quantification analyses.
• Performing additional microsurgical procedures where applicable (e.g., bariatric surgery or cannulation).

Eligibility & Qualifications

Basic Eligibility

• A completed doctoral degree (PhD) in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent foreign qualification.
• The PhD degree must be completed before the employment decision is made.
• Priority is given to applicants who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Exceptions apply for parental leave, illness, union assignments, or military service.

Required Criteria

• Documented experience in advanced experimental mouse models, including metabolic phenotyping (blood sampling, GTT, ITT, and MRI body composition).
• Proven expertise in performing hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies, including microsurgical catheterization of the jugular vein and carotid artery.
• Proven experience in handling mice independently under germ-free/gnotobiotic conditions within isolator systems, including isolator-based surgeries and blood sampling.
• Hands-on experience with advanced dissection techniques (aorta, heart, lungs, rapid skeletal muscle excision).
• Experience working with and analyzing radioactive isotopes (¹⁴C and ³H).
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary research teams, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Meritorious Qualifications

• Experience in establishing, breeding, and validating transgenic mouse models.
• Experience in advanced microsurgical procedures (e.g., bariatric surgery, portal vein or lymphatic vessel cannulation).
• Expertise in histology, immunohistochemistry, primary cell isolation, and metabolic in vitro analyses (e.g., Seahorse mitochondrial stress tests).

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically through the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. Your application should include:

1. A cover letter detailing your motivation and research experience (including any background in anaerobic cultivation, human gut bacteria isolation/characterization, and bioinformatic analysis).
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) and publication list.
3. Copy of your PhD certificate (or documentation showing expected completion prior to the appointment decision).
4. Contact information for at least two professional references.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the research project and position, please contact:

• Fredrik Bäckhed, Professor – Email: fredrik.backhed@wlab.gu.se | Phone: +46 (0)702-182 355
• Malin Levin, Head of Department – Email: malin.levin@wlab.gu.se

Application Deadline & Link

Last Date for Apply: November 24, 2026

Click Here to Apply Online at University of Gothenburg