Postdoctoral researcher in Biomedicine/Toxicology

Ref no: ORU 2.1.1-03552/2025

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in Biomedicine/Toxicology for a fixed-term position at the School of Medical Sciences.

Subject area

The subject area for this position is Biomedicine.

Background

The postdoctoral researcher will join the strategic research profile X-HiDE and the NanoSafety2 project at Örebro University, which operate in close synergy. X-HiDE investigates inflammation in health and disease using cutting-edge exposure systems and advanced 2D and 3D cell models. In parallel, NanoSafety2 focuses on the toxicity assessment of particle emissions from additive manufacturing (also known as industrial 3D printing). Both initiatives are carried out in close collaboration with leading academic and Life science business and industry partners.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with strong skills and experience in in vitro toxicology, particularly in applying advanced tools and models to uncover biomarkers and mechanisms underlying exposure-induced lung disease.

The postdoctoral position is hosted by the School of Medical Sciences (MV) at Örebro University, which is a modern, expansive university with around 1,600 employees and 17,000 students, and with an outstanding research activity. The project is a teamwork between the research environments the Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Center (iRiSC) and Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) research center at Örebro University, and the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AMM) at the Örebro University Hospital. The position will perform research tasks at both campuses and have support by a project group with expertise from the disciplines of the project, as well as a reference group of senior researchers, who guarantee the postdoctoral fellow's development and the quality and implementation of the project.

Duties and responsibilities

The appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is intended to enable persons who have recently been awarded their doctoral degree to consolidate and develop primarily their research skills.

The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in planning, executing, analysing, and disseminating results from research focused on in vitro toxicology, using advanced 2D and 3D lung cell models and human-relevant exposure systems. Responsibilities include conducting cell-based experiments to investigate inflammatory responses and other mechanisms of particle-induced toxicity, as well as contributing to the development of predictive in vitro models for hazard identification.

Additional duties include sample collection and characterization of airborne particle emissions at industrial sites, maintenance of cell culture laboratories, and active participation in the dissemination of research findings through scientific publications, presentations, and collaborative meetings with academic and industry partners.

Qualifications

Those qualified for appointment as a postdoctoral researcher are applicants who, at the time of appointment, hold a doctoral degree or have a degree from abroad deemed to correspond to a doctoral degree. Applicants with doctoral degrees that have been awarded no more than 3 years prior to the application deadline are to be considered first. The applicant may not previously have held a position as a postdoctoral researcher for more than one year in the same subject and at the same higher education institution. The position is for a term of at least 2 years initially but may be extended for a further 1 year. If the person during the period of employment has been on parental leave, the period of employment is to be extended by the corresponding number of days. The period of employment may also be extended in the event of absence due to illness.

Assessment criteria

A basis for the assessment is the applicant’s ability to disseminate information and communicate; collaborate and engage with the wider community; and facilitate utilisation of the university’s research. In addition, the applicant’s suitability for the position will be assessed. Suitability refers to the applicant demonstrating the personal qualities required to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities at hand, the ability to cooperate with other members of staff, and the ability to contribute to the development of the operations.

Particular attention is to be paid to the applicant’s prospects of contributing to the future development of both research and education. Importance is also attached to a demonstrated ability and ambition to embark on a career within academia.

The position requires documented skills and experience in in vitro toxicology and general analytical methods in cell and molecular biology, as well as in planning and conducting studies. It is particularly advantageous to have specific experience in laboratory studies, including advanced in vitro models, air-liquid interface exposure, and high-content imaging, especially in connection with particle and chemical toxicology.

The successful candidate has good communication-, organization- and interpersonal skills, including the ability of good communication skills in English and an interest in as well as good experience in academic writing. He/she also has the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Information

This is a full-time position for three years. At Örebro University, salary depends on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

For more information about the position, contact Dr. Andi Alijagic, +46 19 30 23 42, email: andi.alijagic@oru.se, Dr. Alexander Hedbrant, +46 19 30 21 21, email: alexander.hedbrant@oru.se, or Prof. Eva Särndahl, +46 19 36 84, email: eva.sarndahl@oru.se. The head of unit is Wessam Melik, 019 30 13 07, email: wessam.melik@oru.se.

At Örebro University, we expect each member of staff to be open to development and change; take responsibility for their work and performance; demonstrate a keen interest in collaboration and contribute to development; as well as to show respect for others by adopting a constructive and professional approach.

Örebro University actively pursues equal opportunities and gender equality as well as a work environment characterised by openness, trust and respect. We value the qualities that diversity adds to our operations.

Application

The application is made online. Click the button “Apply” to begin the application procedure.

For the application to be complete, the following electronic documents must be included:

• Covering letter, outlining how you believe you can contribute to the continued development of Örebro University
• CV with a relevant description of your overall qualifications and experience
• Account of research qualifications and experience
• Copies of relevant course/degree certificates and references verifying eligibility and criteria met
• Relevant scientific publications (maximum of 10 and in full-text format)

Only documents written in Swedish, English, Norwegian and Danish can be reviewed.
More information for applicants will be found on our career site: https://www.oru.se/english/career/available-positions/applicants-and-external-experts/

The application deadline is August 11, 2025. We look forward to receiving your application!

As we have already made our choices in terms of external collaboration partners and marketing efforts for this recruitment process, we decline any contact with recruitment agencies and advertisers.

As directed by the National Archives of Sweden (Riksarkivet), we are required to deposit one file copy of the application documents, excluding publications, for a period of two years after the appointment decision has gained legal force.