Postdoctoral studies in Molecular and Synaptic Neurophysiology focusing on developmental disorders (scholarship)

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research? 

Become part of Emanuela Santini’s laboratory at the Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, and engage in cutting-edge research exploring the molecular and synaptic dynamics of the basal ganglia. The goal of this research project is to understand how alterations in basal ganglia physiology contribute to behavioral changes in animal models of developmental disorders. Based in Biomedicum, a cutting-edge research facility fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, our lab offers a stimulating environment where you will gain expertise in advanced imaging, electrophysiology, and molecular techniques.

Division

The Department of Neuroscience at Karolinska Institute is internationally recognized for its excellence in neurobiology research, with a strong focus on the neural circuits underlying behavior and disease. Our division integrates molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience approaches to investigate the pathophysiology of movement and neurodevelopmental disorders, leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and genetic models.

Duties

In this postdoctoral role, you will lead innovative research aimed at deciphering striatal function in genetic models of neurodevelopmental disorders by combining techniques such as patch-clamp electrophysiology, advanced imaging (using confocal and 2-photon microscopy), fiber photometry, and behavioral assays. You will also perform surgical procedures for viral expression and develop data analysis routines using Matlab, Igor Pro, or R. Applicants should have earned a Ph.D. or MD after 2023 and possess a robust publication record with at least two first-author papers, alongside substantial expertise in patch-clamp electrophysiology in brain slices—experience with recordings in freely moving rodents is a plus. Proficiency in computational and statistical programming, coupled with excellent organizational and communication skills in English, is essential. We are looking for enthusiastic researchers with a background in synaptic physiology who are eager to integrate electrophysiology with imaging and molecular studies, and who thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Entry requirements

Postdoctoral scholarships may be established for foreign researchers who pursue their postdoctoral research 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.

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. Here, we conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical 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. Several of the people you meet in healthcare are educated at KI. A close relationship with the health care providers is important for creating groundbreaking top quality education and research. Students and employees have free access to our modern gym facilities with trained staff on site.

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 summary of current work (no more than one page)

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

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