项目介绍

2025年5月9日

We seek a motivated postdoctoral researcher for a new project on breath-based diagnostic tools for blood groups and disease-causing pathogens, and how disease-vectoring mosquitoes identify and discriminate between healthy and infected persons using blood-borne volatile organic compounds in breath. The postdoc is part of a collaborative research project entitled ‘Blood, breath and bugs’ funded by the Carl Trygger Foundation.

About the position

The project aims at unequivocally identifying volatile biomarkers and their biosynthetic pathways, which are shared between human red blood cells (RBCs) of different blood types and exhaled breath, and to determine how these are affected by infection with malaria. In addition, the interaction between humans and disease vectors will be investigated to elucidate the mechanisms by which vectors identify and discriminate between healthy and infected persons using blood-borne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath, towards the goal to improve vector control tools.

The main duties of the postdoc will be to carry out an independent research project under supervision. Specifically, the postdoc will develop and conduct chemical and/or metabolomic analyses of infected and healthy RBCs, as well as behavioural experiments with mosquitoes. Other duties include writing scientific manuscripts, presenting project outcomes, and to supervise students at basic and advanced level.

The research project will be coordinated by Prof. Rickard Ignell at SLU Department of Plant Protection Biology, in partnership with Assoc. Prof. Sharon Hill and Assoc. Prof. Björn Bohman at SLU, as well as Prof. Martin Olsson and Assoc. Prof. Kristina Persson at Lund University. The distance between Alnarp campus and Lund University is about 20 min travel by public transport.

Your profile

As a person you are enthusiastic and responsible and have excellent collaborative skills. In addition, you should meet the following requirements:

• Hold a PhD degree in biology, ecology, analytical chemistry or equivalent
• Educational and professional qualifications relating to the scientific area of the position
• Experience with independent planning, execution and evaluation of experiments, including statistical analysis
• Familiarity with theory and techniques of chemical analyses or metabolomics is required
• Familiarity with theory and techniques of chemical ecology, and entomology is meriting
• Interest in contributing to an international research environment and interdisciplinary research
• Curious mind-set and an interest in experimental biological systems
• A proven record of English speaking, reading and writing skills

As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most.

About us

At the Department of Plant Protection Biology we conduct interdisciplinary research, encompassing Chemical Ecology, Resistance Biology and Integrated Plant Protection research, providing excellent opportunities for strong research collaboration within and outside the departmental area. Research efforts at the department are directed towards both fundamental and applied research. Applied integrated vector control research is carried out in collaboration with industry and focuses primarily on the development of environmentally sustainable pest and disease control strategies, both in Sweden and internationally.

For more information about the department or division visit: Department of Plant Protection Biology | Externwebben (slu.se)

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

This position is based in the Chemical Ecology unit at the Department of Plant Protection Biology at SLU Alnarp, one of SLU’s main campuses.

Form of funding:

Scholarship for 24 months.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

As agreed. Preferably September 2025.

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline June 15, 2025. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

Union representatives:

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Contact person

Rickard Ignell

Head of Department/Professor

+4640415311

rickard.ignell@slu.se

URL to this pagehttps://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=12901&rmlang=UK