Postdoctoral researcher in Neuroimmunology and Alzheimer´s disease - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research and improve human health?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated scientist who is interested in working in a multi- disciplinary team at the forefront of translational Alzheimer's disease (AD) research. Our group aims to use encapsulated cell (EC Biodelivery) implants releasing nerve growth factor (NGF) to support degenerating cholinergic neurons in patients with AD leading to a disease-modifying/curative therapy. In relation to this, we want you to investigate the involvement of immunological processes with AD pathology and therapy outcome with a focus on the cholinergic system. Or conversely, whether the therapy modulates immune response.

Your mission

We will explore in vitro studies using cells utilized in ECB-NGF or ECB-BDNF implants to improve their functionality and study the effects of various molecules on them, with relevance to AD brain. We will also conduct in-vivo studies using the implants to characterize whether NGF or BDNF have neurorestorative effects in the basal forebrain and hippocampus in a novel mouse model of AD (APP-knockin mice). The ECB device will be surgically implanted in various brain regions of APP-knockin mice and wild type controls. The stimulation by NGF and/or BDNF signaling will be explored both prior to and after pathology has developed to test the potential therapy in both a preventive and a therapeutic setting. Studies will also be conducted to understand glial cells activity in the APP-knockin brain tissues before and after ECB implantation releasing NGF, BDNF or both. Contribution from and effects on neuro-inflammation will also be studied. Outcome on immunological markers will be evaluated within the brain tissue and the periphery.

The environment provides excellent post-doctoral training in an international working environment, with national and international collaborations, and possibilities to publish in high impact journals.

Your profile

Qualified to be employed as a postdoctor is one who has obtained a doctorate or has equivalent scientific competence. It is considered as an advantage if you have completed your doctoral degree within the last three years, if there are special reasons, your degree may have been completed earlier. 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.

Candidates must hold a PhD degree, or a foreign qualification deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree within the area of biomedical research with experience in handling clinical samples, working with mice (preferably AD mice models), neurochemistry, and particular assays like ELISA, immunochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, multi-color Flow-Cytometry, qPCR, cytokine profiling, western blotting, and cell culture (primary cell culture and various cell lines). The candidate should have a strong interest in neurodegenerative diseases. Previous experience in enzymology, immunology (T-cell, B-cell, microglia), molecular cloning, FACS cell-sorting, mice-surgery, ex-vivo whole blood processing and MACS based cell isolation is highly desirable. Certification from FELASA or equivalent European authorities for conducting animal research would be considered as an advantage.

The successful candidate will also be expected to have an established record of high-quality scientific research and publications, ability to work both independently and as a member of a collaborative, scientific team, excellent verbal and written English skills, and to write and apply for grants. Previous experiences as postdoc is of merit.

This is a full-time fixed-term employment, up to two years.

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. 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 a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several benefits through our collective agreement.

Location: Flemingsberg (Research group - Maria Eriksdotter)

Department of NVS

Maria Eriksdotter - Research group

Application

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

A complete resumé, 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 summary of current work (no more than one page)

Welcome to apply at the latest 31st of May 2022. 

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

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