Postdoctoral researcher in Vaccine Development

The School of Medical Sciences at Örebro University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in Biomedicine (Molecular Virology and mRNA Vaccine Development) for a fixed-term appointment.

Subject area

The subject area for this position is Biomedicine.

Background

The School of Medical Sciences at Örebro University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the Cellular and Molecular Virology research group.

The position is part of the research project "Development of novel mRNA-based TBE vaccines", funded by the Knowledge Foundation (KK-stiftelsen). The project focuses on the development and evaluation of novel mRNA-based vaccines against tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV).

The research builds on extensive expertise in the molecular biology of tick-borne flaviviruses, viral reverse genetics, virus–host interactions and vaccine development. The project is conducted in close collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

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 further develop their research skills.

The successful candidate will conduct experimental research focusing on the molecular biology of tick-borne flaviviruses and the development of novel mRNA-based vaccines against tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV).

The work will include molecular cloning, viral reverse genetics, infectious cDNA clones, site-directed mutagenesis, and the generation and characterization of recombinant flaviviruses. Particular emphasis will be placed on investigating viral replication, virus–host interactions, and the molecular determinants of viral pathogenicity.

The researcher will also contribute to the design and evaluation of vaccine candidates using cell-based assays, in vivo animal models, neutralization assays, and relevant immunological methods. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with other researchers and industrial partners. The position also involves analysis of experimental data, preparation of scientific publications, and presentation of research findings.

Qualifications

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoctoral researcher, applicants must hold a doctoral degree, or an equivalent foreign degree, in a subject relevant to the position, such as molecular virology, virology, molecular biology or biomedicine.

Applicants who are in the final stages of their doctoral studies and expect to complete their PhD before the employment decision are also encouraged to apply. The doctoral degree must be completed no later than the time of the employment decision.

Priority will be given to applicants who have obtained their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline, in accordance with the applicable postdoctoral employment agreement. Exceptions may apply under special circumstances.