Postdoctoral Researcher in neuro-immune mechanisms in arthritis

Unist; Solna kommun; On-site; SEK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Unist seeks a postdoctoral researcher to study how inflammation affects the nervous system, including pain pathways, neuronal dysfunction, and brain changes, within a neurobiology-focused environment in Solna.

The role involves immunohistochemistry, rodent models, and collaboration across neuroscience, immunology, and molecular biology to understand neuro–immune interactions and pain mechanisms.

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, physiology, biomedicine, or a related discipline.
• Documented experience in immunohistochemistry.
• Experience in animal research (FELASA certification or equivalent).
• Ability to work independently, systematically, and with high scientific rigor.
• Excellent English proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Immunohistochemical analyses, including tissue preparation, staining, microscopy, and quantitative image analysis.
• Animal-based experimental studies in rodent models, including behavioral testing and tissue collection.
• Analysis of neuronal and glial alterations associated with pain.
• Planning, execution, and documentation of experimental studies.
• Collaboration with researchers in neuroscience, immunology, and molecular biology.

Skills

Immunohistochemistry

Animal research

Independent work

English proficiency

Education

PhD in neuroscience/physiology/biomedicine

Tools

Confocal microscopy

ImageJ/Fiji

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to conduct studies focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which inflammation affects the nervous system, including pathways involved in pain, neuronal dysfunction, and structural brain changes. The position is situated within a research environment with strong expertise in neurobiology, sensory systems, and neuro‑immune interactions.

Your Mission

The research project aims to identify and characterize mechanisms contributing to the development and maintenance of acute and chronic pain. The work involves advanced histological and neurobiological methods, as well as experimental models used to investigate interactions between the nervous system and the immune system.

Example of Duties

• Immunohistochemical analyses, including tissue preparation, staining, microscopy, and quantitative image analysis
• Animal‑based experimental studies in rodent models, including behavioral testing and tissue collection
• Analysis of neuronal and glial alterations associated with pain
• Planning, execution, and documentation of experimental studies
• Collaboration with researchers in neuroscience, immunology, and molecular biology

Your Profile

Required Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, physiology, biomedicine, or a related discipline
• Documented experience in immunohistochemistry
• Experience in animal research (FELASA certification or equivalent)
• Ability to work independently, systematically, and with high scientific rigor
• Excellent English proficiency

Meritorious Qualifications

• Experience in experimental neuroscience
• Knowledge of pain models or neuro‑immune interactions
• Experience with advanced microscopy and image analysis (e.g., confocal microscopy, ImageJ/Fiji)
• Scientific publications in relevant research areas
• Experience in giving presentations and project management

Eligibility Requirements

A PhD or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a Swedish PhD is required. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled at the latest at the time of the employment decision. Completion of the doctoral degree within the last three years is considered an advantage.

What We Offer

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. You will have ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience across various scientific fields within medicine and health. Benefits are provided through our collective agreement.

Location

The position is located within the Department of Medicine, Solna, in the research group of adjunct professor Jon Lampa. The group investigates neuro‑immune mechanisms behind rheumatic pain and fatigue, the effects of immune‑regulating therapies, and neurological mechanisms related to aging. The research group is part of the Division of Rheumatology. The rheumatology research laboratory is located at the Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM).

Application

Required documents in English or Swedish:

• PhD certificate
• Complete résumé, including date of thesis defence, title of thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
• Complete list of publications
• Summary of current work (no more than one page)

KI applies individual and differentiated salary setting in accordance with our collective agreements RALS and RALS‑T.

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.