Division
The research group is located at the Centre of Molecular Medicine (CMM; http://cmm.ki.se/) and belongs to the division of Dermatology and Venereology, Karolinska Hospital Solna. The main areas of research in our division are immunological processes and genetic regulation in inflammatory skin diseases. The present project is a collaboration with the department of Clinical Microbiology (PI: Peter Bergman, MD, PhD), that focus on disease processes in cells and tissues caused by microbes infecting humans. The Bergman-Agerberth group study the role of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in human immunity. Our research is translational exploring problems identified in clinical care, on the development of improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches as well as detailed mechanistic studies on basic pathogenic mechanisms in skin immunity and host-microbe interactions.

Duties
Both the innate and adaptive immune response are involved in psoriasis pathogenesis. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play an important role in our innate immune system and post-translational modifications of these peptides have been shown to profoundly affect immunological and antibactericidal effects of AMPs. The present project will focus on post-translational modifications (citrullination/carbamylation) of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 involved in psoriasis pathogenesis. The project involves cell-culture work, RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, HPLC and biochemical analyses with LC-MS/MS. In addition, the project involves work with commensal and pathogenic bacteria (CFU-counts, killing assays). Experience from these methodologies are required.

Entry requirements
We are currently seeking a highly creative and motivated postdoctoral scientist (stipend) with an interest in skin immunology to join the group for 1 year with a possible extension for year 2. We look for a candidate with proficiency and documented laboratory research experience necessary for stated laboratory work under ”Duties”. The position will require independent work at the laboratory as well as extensive collaboration with other experimental groups. Good communicational skills in written and spoken English is required.

To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a doctorate or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate.Scholarships for postdoctoral qualification can be established for foreign researchers who place their qualifications in Sweden. The purpose of scholarships for postdoctoral qualification is to promote internationalization and contribute to research qualification after a doctorate or equivalent. A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent.The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish doctorate or higher.

Type of scholarship
The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.