Postdoctoral Researcher in Single-Cell Genomics and Functional Imaging of Kidney Epithelial Injury in Sweden

The University of Gothenburg in Sweden is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for a research project focused on single-cell genomics and functional imaging of kidney epithelial injury. The position is based at the Institute of Biomedicine and involves experimental research combining cell-based assays, imaging, and single-cell transcriptomics.

The project is conducted by the Camuñas-Soler lab in collaboration with AstraZeneca and is supported by the Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine (WCMTM). The successful candidate will work in an international research environment with access to advanced research infrastructure through SciLifeLab and close interaction with academic, clinical, computational, and industry researchers.

About the postdoctoral position

The Camuñas-Soler lab is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to a project investigating functional heterogeneity in proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) during kidney injury.

The research combines direct measurements of albumin reabsorption with single-cell transcriptomics to identify molecular programs associated with epithelial dysfunction and investigate potentially targetable pathways relevant to kidney disease.

The project combines experimental biology with advanced imaging and sequencing approaches. The researcher will also collaborate closely with computational researchers for downstream data analysis and interpretation.

Research project and scientific environment

The Camuñas-Soler lab is part of SciLifeLab and the Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine. The laboratory has an international network of academic and industry collaborators and provides access to advanced research infrastructure.

The project is carried out in collaboration with AstraZeneca and focuses on experimental models of kidney epithelial injury. The research environment also provides opportunities for interaction with clinical researchers and scientists from industry.

Research activities and responsibilities

The successful candidate will lead experimental work across several proximal tubular epithelial cell injury models, including toxic, metabolic, inflammatory, and hypoxia-reoxygenation stress models.

The main responsibilities include:

• Optimizing functional cell-based assays to investigate proximal tubular epithelial cell physiology and injury responses.
• Performing experiments using cell culture systems and acute kidney tissue slices.
• Measuring albumin uptake and other functional readouts using fluorescence-based and imaging approaches.
• Preparing single-cell RNA sequencing libraries using established platforms such as Smart-seq2, 10x Genomics, and Parse.
• Generating and performing quality control of experimental data from functional assays, imaging, and sequencing.
• Collaborating with computational researchers on downstream data analysis and interpretation.
• Designing and conducting validation experiments using molecular biology and imaging techniques.
• Documenting and optimizing experimental protocols.
• Presenting research results at group meetings and scientific conferences.
• Contributing to manuscript preparation.
• Mentoring junior researchers and students.

Who can apply for this postdoctoral position?

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art, or a foreign qualification considered equivalent to a doctoral degree. The doctoral qualification must be completed before the employment decision is made.

In the first instance, consideration is given to applicants who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the end of the application period. Applicants who completed their degree more than three years ago may also be considered when special circumstances apply, such as certain types of leave, clinical service, or other relevant circumstances specified by the university.

Academic background and preferred qualifications

The position is particularly suitable for researchers with strong practical experience in experimental cell biology, tissue culture, molecular biology, and cell microscopy.

The preferred academic background includes a PhD in one of the following areas:

• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• Systems Biology
• A related life science discipline

The university is particularly interested in candidates with experience in:

• Cell-based assays and tissue culture, preferably involving primary human cells.
• Molecular biology techniques such as RNA extraction, qPCR, and NGS library preparation.
• Cell imaging and microscopy techniques.
• Image analysis tools such as Fiji.
• Single-cell RNA sequencing methods.
• Functional assays involving epithelial cells or kidney-related models.
• Flow cytometry and/or FACS-based cell sorting.
• Analysis of high-dimensional biological data.
• Programming with Python.

Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing, epithelial functional assays, or primary human material is considered highly desirable. Experience in interdisciplinary or translational research environments is also an advantage.

Other skills expected from candidates

• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to plan experiments and troubleshoot complex experimental workflows.
• Strong collaborative skills.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• High motivation and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Fluency in English.

Employment conditions

The position is a full-time temporary postdoctoral appointment at the Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg.

Employment detail	Information
Contract type	Temporary
Workload	Full-time
Duration	2 years
Extension	Possibility of a 1-year extension
Working hours	40 hours per week
Workplace	Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg
Salary	Individually determined by the university

The first day of employment will be agreed with the successful candidate. The university states that salaries are set individually.

How to apply for the postdoctoral position

Applications must be submitted through the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal using the Apply button associated with the vacancy.

1. Prepare the required application documents.
2. Submit the application through the University of Gothenburg recruitment portal.
3. Ensure that the application is complete and received before the stated deadline.

Apply for the postdoctoral position

Required application documents

The application should contain the following documents and information:

• A short statement describing your training, research interests, future goals, and motivation for applying for the position.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Proof of completed PhD.
• Contact details for two references.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application is complete and submitted by the final deadline.

Application deadline

The deadline for this postdoctoral position is 21 August 2026 at 12:00 UTC. Applications must be received by the University of Gothenburg by the stated deadline.

Deadline	Time
21 August 2026	12:00 UTC

Why this position may be relevant for researchers

This postdoctoral position brings together experimental cell biology, kidney disease research, functional imaging, and single-cell transcriptomics. Candidates with a strong laboratory background and an interest in interdisciplinary or translational research may find the project particularly relevant.

The position also offers an opportunity to work within a research environment connected to SciLifeLab, WCMTM, academic collaborators, clinical researchers, and AstraZeneca.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for this postdoctoral position?

Applicants must have a doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign qualification. Candidates who completed their doctorate no more than three years before the end of the application period are considered in the first instance, subject to the university’s rules and specified exceptions.

What field of research is the position in?

The position is in biological sciences and focuses specifically on single-cell genomics and functional imaging of kidney epithelial injury.

What PhD backgrounds are suitable?

The university identifies Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Systems Biology, and related life science disciplines as relevant backgrounds.

Is experience with single-cell RNA sequencing required?

Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing is highly desirable, but the vacancy also emphasizes broader experience in cell-based assays, tissue culture, molecular biology, microscopy, and experimental research.

Is the position open to international researchers?

The vacancy provides information specifically for international applicants and describes the University of Gothenburg as an international research environment. The supplied information does not specify a nationality restriction.

How long is the postdoctoral contract?

The position is full-time and temporary for two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension.

How many positions are available?

One postdoctoral position is available.

What documents are required?

Applicants should submit a short motivation statement describing their training, interests, future goals and motivation, a CV, proof of completed PhD, and contact details for two references.

What is the application deadline?

The application must be received by 21 August 2026 at 12:00 UTC.

Where can I apply?

Applications are submitted through the University of Gothenburg recruitment portal using the vacancy’s Apply button.

Official information and application

Applicants should consult the official University of Gothenburg recruitment portal for the vacancy details and application process.

Official application portal – University of Gothenburg