Postdoctoral studies in Biological Modeling (scholarship)

Division

In the ER Andersson lab, we are focused on elucidating developmental principles governing differentiation and morphogenesis of organ systems. Combining mouse models, in utero genetic manipulation, clinical samples, and international collaborations, we address how Notch signaling controls development of the nervous, vascular, hematopoietic, and hepatic systems.

With our projects, we aim to understand the fundamental principles governing development, and in so doing unravel the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to Alagille syndrome, a pediatric disorder caused by mutations in Notch components, affecting the hepatic and vascular systems. In the long run, we hope that our results translate into improved predictive diagnostics for patients and therapeutic strategies. Please also see: www.anderssonlab.com.

Project description

In this project, the major goal is to investigate and model the interaction between cells through Notch signaling. CRISPR-Notch-null reporter cell pairs grown on micropatterns and transfected with specific Notch ligand and/or receptors will be used to understand cell pair communication and compare these with organoid patterning and in vivo development from wild type and Notch-perturbed conditions using mouse models and a technique we developed to manipulate gene expression in the nervous system: in utero lentiviral or AAV gene delivery to manipulate the nervous system (Mangold et al Cell Reports Methods 2021).

Read-outs include live cell fluorescence microscopy, 3D organoid live microscopy, and DUCT (Hankeova et al eLife 2021 and Hankeova et al JoVE 2021), which we developed to resolve 3D liver structures, and scRNA sequencing. Insights into organ development will be acquired through modeling of cell interactions. This project was ranked A (unfunded) in the ERC Starting Grant and was funded by the Swedish Foundations’ Starting Grant (https://startinggrant.se/qa-with-emma-andersson-2019-recipient/).

Entry requirements

We are looking for a motivated and skilled person who holds a PhD and has a general interest in Notch signaling, cell and liver biology. Experience in mathematical modelling and practical experience in microscopy is a requirement. Experience in automatization of image analysis pipelines and ability to operate in an international research team is required as well.

Experience in model composition, multiplexing of biosensors/reporters, 3D microscopy skills and 3D image analysis experience is a merit. A background in liver development, the nervous system and/or organoids would be meriting as well as experience in collaborations.

Personal suitability and interactions with current lab members are also of importance.

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.
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. 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) start date of the post doctoral education.

The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish doctorate or higher.

Location: Solna

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.

Application process

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

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
A complete list of publications
A letter of motivation explaining current research interests and future career aspirations. (Maximum one page)
Letters of recommendation can be included but are not required at the first stage. The final top candidates will be requested to complete their applications with two letters of recommendation.
A summary of current work (no more than one page)

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

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