项目介绍

2026年4月22日

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 Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, at the Institute of Medicine, conducts translational research primarily on metabolism, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease in order to improve health and healthcare in the community. The overall goal is to create an excellent translational research environment of a very high international standard.

Cholestatic liver diseases are a group of chronic liver conditions characterized by reduced bile flow from the liver (cholestasis). The etiology and pathophysiology underlying these diseases are still not fully understood. In recent years, several studies have shown that an environmental factor, the gut microbiota, is involved in the development of various liver diseases. Metabolites produced by gut bacteria from dietary components can influence liver function.

In this project, we aim to investigate whether changes in the gut microbiota can lead to alterations in metabolite profiles and, ultimately, to the development of cholestatic liver diseases. We will study the role of metabolites in the development of inflammation and fibrosis in the bile ducts, as observed in cholestatic liver diseases.

A long-term goal of this project is to identify metabolites that drive the development and progression of cholestatic liver diseases, in order to enable the development of new treatments.

We hope that you would like to become part of our multidisciplinary research group. We warmly welcome your application!

Subject area 

Metabolism, rare liver diseases and hepatology

Subject area description

By integrating epidemiological data and multi-omics approaches from large patient cohorts with experimental studies in primary human cells and mouse models, our research group aims to elucidate the interplay between metabolism, the gut microbiota, and immune-mediated mechanisms in the development of cholestatic liver diseases. These complex and chronic conditions affect the biliary system and are characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and progressive liver damage. Through advanced histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of human and murine tissues, we seek to identify key molecular pathways driving disease initiation and progression. Ultimately, this research aims to uncover novel mechanistic insights and identify metabolite-driven targets for future therapeutic strategies in cholestatic liver diseases.

Duties

As a member of the team, you will work with in vivo models of cholestatic liver diseases and investigate whether specific metabolites play a central role in the development of liver injury. The work involves the use of multiple techniques to characterize liver damage in animal models, including immunohistochemistry, qPCR, and Western blot. We will also use tissue from patients with cholestatic liver diseases to validate our findings in humans. You will be involved in all parts of the project, from cell culture and dietary interventions in animal models to data analysis, with a particular focus on immunohistochemistry. We are looking for a candidate with extensive experience in liver-related immunohistochemistry and with the potential to develop into an independent researcher in the laboratory.

Eligibility   

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree in a relevant subject, 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

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in liver biology, immunology, or a related biomedical field. To be a successful candidate you are required to have a PhD in a relevant field, such as liver/biliary biology and a strong research background in cholestatic liver diseases. You shall have published your results in peer-reviewed journals.

Particular emphasis will be placed on experience in human and mouse tissue-based research, especially advanced immunohistochemistry and histopathological analyses.

Experience in working with cholestatic liver diseases, biliary biology, or inflammation and fibrosis is considered highly meritorious. The candidate should have hands-on experience with techniques such as in vivo work, tissue sectioning, staining, imaging, and quantitative analysis of histological data. Experience with multiplex staining, spatial analysis, or integration of histology with omics data (e.g., metabolomics) is an advantage.

The successful applicant is expected to be able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment. Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken, are required.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Application 

Please attach PhD certificate with the application, if the PhD certificate has not yet been issued, it needs to be attached latest at the time when the employment decision is to be made.

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:

• Certificate of completed PhD
• CV
• Contact details of two references

Applications must be received by: 2026-05-11