Interested in joining the BMC?
With its recognized and engaged faculty, BMC offers excellent opportunities for masters students, PhD fellows and postdoctoral fellows to participate in cutting-edge research.
Masters and PhD Projects
1. Laboratory technician at the Biomedical Center
A laboratory technician position in a research project on regulation of innate immunity defenses is available at the University of Iceland (Reykjavik, Iceland). The research project emphasis is on host directed therapy through the activation and regulation of innate immunity. In the research project novel compounds will be designed that activate signal pathways that enhance endogenous defenses and epithelial integrity. This activation of early defenses can counteract infectious pathogens at epithelial surfaces, preventing disease and making macrophages active for clearance. The position is funded by the Horizon Europe project IN-ARMOR, which includes a large network of European collaborators including experts of organic synthesis, infections, animal models of both infections and inflammation as well as drug development. The project and position are estimated to start in spring 2023. The project is hosted at the BioMedical Center (BMC) of the University of Iceland.
Field of work
The project will initially focus on specific compounds that induce the expression of host defense peptides (HDPs, also called antimicrobial peptides, AMPs). The defense peptides are made by epithelial cells and macrophages, contributing to the defense barriers in addition to controlling the composition of the microbiota. The inducing compounds can counteract pathogen mediated HDP suppression and strengthen epithelial barrier integrity. The effect of the novel inducers will be analyzed with reference to specific targets, signaling pathways and gene expression. The network of this project will test the efficacy of the compounds in disease models in vivo. In the laboratory a postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for planning the experimental work.
Theoretically the project is at the interface of cell biology, biochemistry and immunology. It is grounded in a collaboration between professor Gudmundur H. Gudmundsson (University of Iceland) and professors Birgitta Agerberth and Peter Bergman at Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden with the following relevant references:
1) Myszor I.T. et al., Novel aroylated phenylenediamine compounds enhance antimicrobial defense and maintain airway epithelial barrier integrity.
Sci Rep. 2019 May 8;9(1):7114. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-43350-z.
2) Bergman P, et al., Host Directed Therapy Against Infection by Boosting Innate Immunity. Front Immunol. 2020 Jun 12;11:1209. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01209.
3) Islam D, et al., Downregulation of bactericidal peptides in enteric infections: a novel immune escape mechanism with bacterial DNA as a potential regulator. Nat Med. 2001 Feb;7(2):180-5. doi: 10.1038/84627.
4) Sarker P. et al., Phenylbutyrate counteracts Shigella mediated downregulation of cathelicidin in rabbit lung and intestinal epithelia: a potential therapeutic strategy. PLoS One. 2011;6(6): e20637. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020637)
Qualification requirements
- Applicants are required to have a Master degree in biology, biochemistry or related field
- Previous training in cell culture and biochemistry
- Keen interest in cell biology and natural defense systems
- Knowledge of bioinformatics and mass-spectrometry would be beneficial
- Fluency in spoken and written English
Application process
Applications must include: i) CV, ii) a list of courses and grades from bachelor and masters; a copy is sufficient; an official translation is not necessary at this stage, iii) title of master thesis and abstract iv) a half page about your research interests and your strength, vi) names and contact information (email) of two references.
All applications will be answered and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications may be valid for six months.
Appointments of the positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Rights Policy of the University of Iceland.
The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy
The BioMedical Center at University of Iceland (http://lifvisindi.hi.is/) is the main site of academic research in biomedical sciences in Iceland. BioMedical Center at the University of Iceland offers an international environment, with the number of international employees and students increasing each year. The Institute provides research facilities for teaching and research for faculty members, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students.
The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences constitute ca. 360 employees in different academic positions. The School offers an international working environment, with the number of international employees and students increasing each year. Currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international. There are around 2900 students at the School, divided into six faculties, including approximately 350 MS students and 150 doctoral students. Research institutes at the School are the Science Institute that divides into the Institute of Earth Sciences and Institute of Physical Sciences, Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biomedical Center, Engineering Research Institute and the Institute for Sustainability Studies which is an interdisciplinary institute and belongs to the five schools of the University of Iceland.
The University of Iceland is the largest teaching, research and science institute in Iceland.
More information about the University of Iceland can be found at the University of Iceland website, Relocation Service.
Application deadline
Application deadline is 03.04.2023
For further information contact
Guðmundur H Guðmundsson
Apply now
2. Postdoctoral position at the Biomedical Center
A postdoctoral position on regulation of innate immunity defenses is available at the University of Iceland. The project is hosted at the BioMedical Center (BMC) of the University of Iceland. The research project emphasis is on host directed therapy through the activation and regulation of innate immunity. In the research project novel compounds will be designed that activate signal pathways that enhance endogenous defenses and epithelial integrity. This activation of early defenses can counteract infectious pathogens at epithelial surfaces, preventing disease and making macrophages active for clearance. The position is funded by the Horizon Europe project IN-ARMOR, which includes a large network of European collaborators including experts of organic synthesis, infections, animal models of both infections and inflammation as well as drug development.
Field of work
The project will initially focus on specific compounds that induce the expression of host defense peptides (HDPs, also called antimicrobial peptides, AMPs). The defense peptides are made by epithelial cells and macrophages, contributing to the defense barriers in addition to controlling the composition of the microbiota. The inducing compounds can counteract pathogen mediated HDP suppression and strengthen epithelial barrier integrity. The effect of the novel inducers will be analyzed with reference to specific targets, signaling pathways and gene expression. The network of this project will test the efficacy of the compounds in disease models in vivo. In the laboratory a project technician will assist with experimental work. Theoretically the project is at the interface of cell biology, biochemistry and immunology. It is grounded in a collaboration between professor Gudmundur H. Gudmundsson (University of Iceland) and professors Birgitta Agerberth and Peter Bergman at Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden with the following relevant references:
1) Myszor I.T. et al., Novel aroylated phenylenediamine compounds enhance antimicrobial defense and maintain airway epithelial barrier integrity.
Sci Rep. 2019 May 8;9(1):7114. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-43350-z.
2) Bergman P, et al., Host Directed Therapy Against Infection by Boosting Innate Immunity. Front Immunol. 2020 Jun 12;11:1209. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01209.
3) Islam D, et al., Downregulation of bactericidal peptides in enteric infections: a novel immune escape mechanism with bacterial DNA as a potential regulator. Nat Med. 2001 Feb;7(2):180-5. doi: 10.1038/84627.
4) Sarker P. et al., Phenylbutyrate counteracts Shigella mediated downregulation of cathelicidin in rabbit lung and intestinal epithelia: a potential therapeutic strategy. PLoS One. 2011;6(6): e20637. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020637)
Qualification requirements
- Applicants are required to have a PhD degree in biology or biochemistry
- Previous training in cell culture and biochemistry
- Keen interest in cell biology and natural defense systems
- Knowledge of bioinformatics and mass-spectrometry would be beneficial
- Fluency in English is required
Application process
The project and position are estimated to start in May 2023 and runs for four years.
Applications must include: i) CV (including publications), ii) a list of courses and grades from bachelor and masters; a copy is sufficient; an official translation is not necessary at this stage, iii) title and abstract of PhD thesis, iv) a half page about your research interests and your strength, v) a half page (maximum) statement, explaining why you would like to join us in this project and what you may contribute in the project, vi) names and contact information (email) of three references.
All applications will be answered and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications may be valid for six months.
Appointments of the positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Rights Policy of the University of Iceland.
The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy
The BioMedical Center at University of Iceland (http://lifvisindi.hi.is/) is the main site of academic research in biomedical sciences in Iceland. BioMedical Center at the University of Iceland offers an international environment, with the number of international employees and students increasing each year. The Institute provides research facilities for teaching and research for faculty members, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students.
The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences constitute ca. 360 employees in different academic positions. The School offers an international working environment, with the number of international employees and students increasing each year. Currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international. There are around 2900 students at the School, divided into six faculties, including approximately 350 MS students and 150 doctoral students. Research institutes at the School are the Science Institute that divides into the Institute of Earth Sciences and Institute of Physical Sciences, Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biomedical Center, Engineering Research Institute and the Institute for Sustainability Studies which is an interdisciplinary institute and belongs to the five schools of the University of Iceland.
The University of Iceland is the largest teaching, research and science institute in Iceland.
More information about the University of Iceland can be found at the University of Iceland website, Relocation Service.
Application deadline
Application deadline is 03.04.2023
For further information contact
Guðmundur H Guðmundsson
Apply now
3. MSc verkefni í líf- og læknavísindum má finna hér
4. MSc project: Quantification of NE, 5-HT and DA neurons in a zebrafish model of ADHD.
A mutant zebrafish model of ADHD has developed and validated behaviorally and pharmacologically. As a part of a larger study we now seek to describe the difference of the model and wild-types in terms of expression of selected neuronal types in the brain. We are seeking a student biology or releated fields. The project revolves in using immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging to label and quantify the selected neuronal types. The project will require working with an animal model, antibodies, neuronal labelling, tissue fixing, imaging, quantification and analysis.
If you are interested in the project, please contact Karl Ægir Karlsson (karlsson@ru.is).
PhD and postdoctoral fellows
Group leaders at the BMC are always looking for highly motivated PhD fellows and postdocs. If there are currently no open calls posted on our website, excellent PhDs and postdocs are encouraged to apply to one of our groups for fellowships at any time. The chances for a position at BMC are increased significantly if you contact us well ahead of time. Please contact the Group Leader you wish to work with directly and please enclose the following materials:
1. Cover Letter/letter of interest
2. CV
3. Three (3) letters of reference
Send email to skb@hi.is.
Work environment at BMC
BMC is a dynamic and international research centre. We offer good working conditions with excellent possibilities in an open, collaborative atmosphere. We offer state-of-the-art research facilities in modern laboratories. The research groups at BMC collaborate closely and all our young scientists (masters students, PhD fellows and postdocs) actively participate in all our activities.