Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in the laboratory of Professor Ernest Arenas: http://ernestarenaslab.org/. The position will be placed in the Division of Molecular Neurobiology, a cluster of 7 research groups forming a dynamic and collaborative research environment within the MBB department.

Our laboratory is located in the Biomedicum building, one of the most modern research centers in Northern Europe, within a world leading University, Karolinska Institutet. Our lab offers an inclusive, collaborative, multidisciplinary, international and interactive research work environment, where you can develop your career and do science that can make a difference.

Your mission

We look for postdoctoral interested in working in a project aiming at developing a cell replacement therapy for Parkinson’s disease based on direct in vivo reprogramming of astrocytes into induced midbrain dopaminergic neurons. The project will involve reprogramming human astrocytes in vitro and mouse striatal astrocytes in vivo. Cells will be examined by single cell RNA-seq and their functionality will be investigated both in vitro and in mouse models of Parkinson’s disease. The project is based on our previous characterization of the cellular and molecular complexity of the developing mouse and human midbrain at the single cell level (La Manno et al., 2106, Cell); and the development of direct in vivo reprogramming of astrocytes into functional induced dopamine neurons, as a cell replacement strategy in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease (Rivetti et al., 2017, Nature Biotech). The successful candidate will participate in all the activities of the lab, including scientific meetings, international networks and education of medical/biomedical students.

Your profile

You are a PhD or a Postdoc working on Parkinson’s disease, midbrain dopaminergic neurons, neuroscience, molecular biology, development or stem cell biology. You have experience in neural cell culture and molecular biology, in particular in cloning and use of viral vectors. Additional experience in gene therapy, stereotaxic surgery, electrophysiology, rodent models of Parkinson’s disease, behavioral analysis, midbrain development, single cell transcriptomics, FACS or bioinformatics, will be an advantage. Publications in high profile journals and experience in working in a multidisciplinary international environment or outside of the country of origin will be considered as merits. Applicants should have good communication skills and be proficient in spoken and written English.

Qualified to be employed as a postdoctor is one who has obtained a doctorate or has equivalent scientific competence. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) date of employment. This must be substantiated by the applicant's main supervisor, director or equivalent.

What do we offer?

Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is a state university, which entitles employees to several benefits such as extended holiday and a generous occupational pension. Employees also have free access to our modern gym and receive reimbursements for medical care.

We offer a two-year (1+1 year) full time (100%) postdoctoral position starting in January 2021. Our laboratory and our division offer a creative, interactive, international and interdisciplinary research environment, where you will have the opportunity to seek personal development, enjoy science and make a difference.


Location:
Solna

 

Application

Your application must contain the following documents in English:

  1. A complete curriculum vitae, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
  2. A complete list of publications.
  3. A summary of current work (no more than one page).
  4. Verification from the thesis defence committee or the equivalent (only if the thesis defence is scheduled within three months after the application deadline).
  5. A letter of motivation (no more than one page)
  6. Three references or reference letters

In assessing candidates we will place our emphasis on the personal trajectory, education, technical skills, CV, merits and previous experience.

Welcome to apply at the latest 11th of December 2020.

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

 

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment Upon agreement, preferably January 2021
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100 %
City Solna
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number STÖD 2-5017/2020
Contact
  • Professor Ernest Arenas, ernest.arenas@ki.se
Union representative
  • Venus Azhary, OFR, 0707-124 127
Published 23.Nov.2020
Last application date 11.Dec.2020 11:59 PM CET

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