Uppsala University’s Department of Medical Cell Biology announces a postdoctoral research position within the FORTE-funded interdisciplinary research center WHOLE (An Interdisciplinary Centre for Women’s Health Over the LifecoursE). The position is located in Professor Mia Phillipson’s laboratory and focuses on understanding the role of immune cells in endometriosis development and developing novel immunotherapies.
Research Context
WHOLE represents a collaborative effort between Uppsala University and Karolinska Institutet, bringing together 17 disciplines spanning medicine, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. The center addresses critical knowledge gaps in women’s health, particularly at the intersection of reproductive transitions, mental health, and pain. Research approaches include longitudinal studies, laboratory-based analyses, AI-driven investigations, and patient-oriented research conducted in collaboration with healthcare providers.
The Phillipson laboratory has recently identified regenerative functions of distinct immune cell populations. This postdoctoral project builds on these findings to elucidate how regenerative immune cells contribute to endometriosis pathogenesis.
Scientific Significance
Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women worldwide and is associated with severe pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and infertility. Current treatment options focus primarily on symptom management through pain relief, hormonal therapy, and surgery, with no effective cure available. The uterine endometrium contains numerous immune cells that defend against pathogens while maintaining uterine health. This project aims to establish the specific roles of distinct immune cell populations in endometriosis development.
Research Responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will lead the development of novel in vivo and in vitro technologies, including:
- Creating and characterizing mouse models of endometriosis using patient-derived endometrial tissue transplanted into the abdominal cavity of immunocompromised mice
- Conducting longitudinal studies using intravital microscopy to examine immune cell interactions, vascularization, and lesion growth
- Evaluating drug candidate effects on endometriotic tissue in both in vivo and in vitro systems
- Analyzing clinical samples through translational approaches under co-supervision by Professor Matts Olofsson, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health
Additional responsibilities include experimental design, data analysis, dissemination of findings through publications and conference presentations, and supervision of students at various academic levels.
Laboratory Environment and Infrastructure
The Phillipson laboratory specializes in ImunoPhysiology research with an established international collaborative network and strong funding record. Research conducted in the laboratory aims to uncover novel immune cell functions and identify regulatory mechanisms relevant to organ development, cardiovascular disease, infection, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes. The laboratory’s translational focus has resulted in a successful spin-out company, Ilya Pharma (www.ilyapharma.se), currently conducting clinical phase 2 trials.
The laboratory maintains state-of-the-art equipment including:
- High-speed confocal in vivo microscopes with custom-developed imaging setups
- Spectral flow cytometry and cell sorting instruments
- Protein and gene array technology platforms
- In-house bioinformatics expertise
- Additional technologies accessible through the Department of Medical Cell Biology and SciLifeLab
Professor Phillipson serves as vice director of SciLifeLab, Sweden’s largest national infrastructure for Life Sciences, providing proximity to extensive research resources.
Department Profile
The Department of Medical Cell Biology at Uppsala University comprises more than 110 staff members, including approximately 25 PhD students, 10 postdoctoral researchers, and 40 researchers, lecturers, and professors. The department maintains an internationally recognized, collaborative interdisciplinary research environment.
Required Qualifications
Candidates must possess:
- PhD degree (or foreign equivalent) in immunology, physiology, gynecology, or related field, obtained no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Extensions to this three-year period are granted for circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, or military duties.
- Demonstrated expertise in cell biology, immunology, physiology, and biotechnology through degrees, publications, and relevant qualifications
- Advanced computer proficiency, particularly in imaging, image analysis, FACS, and in vitro/in vivo assays
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with protocol development experience
- Proficiency in scientific writing and data summarization
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- High motivation, ambition, and enthusiasm with demonstrated initiative and collaborative capacity
Application Requirements
Applications should include:
- Personal letter (maximum half A4 page) describing research interests and relevant experience
- Complete curriculum vitae
- Copies of diplomas and academic transcripts
- PhD thesis (or draft)
- Documentation of relevant experience
- Two letters of reference or contact information for previous direct research supervisors
Selection criteria include qualifications, previous work experience, and personal suitability.
Employment Terms
This is a temporary two-year position under central collective agreement terms. The position is full-time with a starting date to be agreed upon. Work location is Uppsala, Sweden.
Contact Information
For additional information about the position:
- Professor Mia Phillipson
- Phone: 018-471 4419
- Email: mia.phillipson@mcb.uu.se
Application Submission
Submit applications through the Uppsala University recruitment system: https://uu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:895796/type:job/where:39/apply:1
Application deadline: March 20, 2026, 22:59 UTC.
Additional information about employment at Uppsala University: http://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/jobs/
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