Karolinska Institutet, Institutionen för klinisk neurovetenskap

The Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS) conducts research and education in the field of neuroscience from the molecular level to the society level. The clinical research and education is conducted in collaboration with Region Stockholm as well as other research groups from Karolinska Institutet and other universities.
Please visit our website for more information: ki.se/en/cns

Division
The research on the eye and vision at the department is wide and carries from the glasses to the brain’s interpretation of the picture. The sensory impression of a clear and sharp picture does not only require healthy eyes but also a healthy brain. Our research on the retina and retinal disease is extensive including macular degeneration, ischemic retinopathies and vitreoretinal surgery. Ongoing projects range from basic research on retinal angiogenesis and degeneration to clinical pharmacologic studies and regenerative medicine using stem cell-derived cells.

The research team is led by Professor Anders Kvanta together with Dr Helder André, as principal investigator. The current project is centered on the concept that hypoxia is associated with choroidal neovascularization (CNV), by increasing expression and activity of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIF) in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We have suggested previously that negative regulation of HIF might have potential implication on novel treatments for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

The experimental projects include molecular and cellular studies, as well as preclinical animal models, and aim to characterize adeno-associated virus (AAV)-vectors to halt the devastating effects of neovascularization associated with nAMD. More information about our research group can be found at:
https://ki.se/en/cns/stefan-seregardanders-kvantas-research-group
https://staff.ki.se/people/heland


Duties
The project to be developed aims at dissecting the molecular mechanisms that control RPE cell dysfunction in association with nAMD. We have generated AAV-vectors to carry anti-HIF therapeutic genes and established small- (rodent) and large-eyed (rabbit) animal model of AMD. The role of the applicant is to expand on the knowledge of in vivo AAV-mediate gene therapy as potential clinical treatment for CNV. In addition, studies of RPE degeneration and molecular understanding of such mechanisms will be assessed. In vitro analysis of the AAV-vectors and factors that have high impact on RPE responses during nAMD, will pave the road for new avenues in models of AMD. Together, the molecular understand and gene therapy strategies will present new opportunities for the translational treatment of advanced AMD by combined cellular and gene therapy.



Entry requirements
To be employed as a postdoctor, a doctorate or equivalent scientific competence is required. We are looking for an applicant with a doctorate degree in molecular and/or cellular medicine/biomedicine or similar. The candidate must be experienced in biomedical sciences, particularly biochemistry and molecular biology, including techniques such as immunoblotting, immunohisto- and cytochemistry, and quantitative PCR. Additionally, cell and tissue culture techniques, including but not limited to cellular transfection and protein expression analysis, together with complex isolation, is needed. Due to the nature of the project, experience in ophthalmologic animal research is advantageous.

Excellent communication skills with documented history, ability to easily integrate into the laboratory environment and interact both socially and scientifically with other colleagues and collaborators is essential. The ideal candidate should be ambitious, strongly motivated and independent to develop the project and successfully troubleshoot emerging issues.



Application process
An employment application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

  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)

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

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment According to agreement
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Stockholm
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number 2-3811/2019
Contact
  • Anders Kvanta, Anders.Kvanta@ki.se
  • Anna Wendel, anna.wendel@ki.se
Union representative
  • Venus Azhary, OFR, 0707-124 127
  • Arsalan Amir, SACO, 08 - 517 733 37
  • Henry Wölling, SEKO, 08-524 840 80
Published 03.Jul.2019
Last application date 17.Jul.2019 11:59 PM CEST

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