Hi, I am Jagadish Mangu. As I am about to complete my postdoctoral fellowship and will start another chapter in my research career, perhaps it is the right time to reflect on my journey as an ‘EC’ postdoc. So, let me share my experience. Upon completion of my PhD degree from Örebro University in 2023, I was eager to start a new challenge and then I came across the opportunity in Umeå University.
Why Umeå University?
During my master’s degree education in Umeå University, I have had an exposure to the research conducted in the interface of microbiology, molecular biology and microbial pathogenesis through my courses and projects. I am thankful to my three of my mentors then Professor Matthew Francis, Professor Bengt Hallberg, and Professor Ruth Palmer and many more teachers and researchers, from whom I was able to gain an experience in molecular and cell biology techniques. My interest towards microbiology and microscopy took baby steps during this time. Moreover, several aspects such as the guidance, the freedom to pursue research, high quality research in microbial pathogenesis, more importantly a vibrant, diverse and healthy research atmosphere has attracted me to apply to the Umeå University. Though the climatic conditions are challenging at a times, Umeå offers many things for nature lovers from auroras, snow, greenery and deep blue sky which attracted me to call this city my second home away from India.
The opportunity and challenges
When I applied to the meritorious ‘EC’ Postdoc fellowship, I was not confident enough – if I would be able to get a positive response. I applied to a project which is a collaboration between microbial pathogenesis (Professor Matthew Francis) and structural biology (Professor Magnus Wolf-Watz). Since I wanted to improve my skills in biochemistry and as well as in molecular biology and microbiology through my first postdoc, and I thought this was a nice opportunity. And little did I know that I will be offered an opportunity to join as a postdoc. Every opportunity comes with a challenge and every challenge throws an opportunity. And thankfully, I received good support from the administration to get settled in and start working on my project. Organizing and researching in two laboratories and working with different techniques is a new challenge, which I perhaps have managed to successfully learn.
What have I been researching?
Two years into my postdoctoral research, together with my colleagues in Magnus Wolf-Watz lab and Matthew Francis lab, we have worked meticulously in understanding the interaction interface and the functional impact of mutations in the tip protein “LcrV” and its chaperone “LcrG” on the Yersinia T3SS (Type III Secretion System). The initial findings of our study are in line to be published in the journal. And our current research has branched into multiple directions with a focus towards understanding the dynamics of LcrVG in T3SS.
The UCMR and scientific community
Since I joined the UCMR community, I met several inspiring colleagues and senior researchers as part of the network meetings and other social events organized within the Molecular biology and Chemistry departments. Also, some of the events and activities organized by the Umeå Postdoc Society is also appreciable.
