Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Neuropharmacology

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

Within our group the research extends widely from basic to clinical research, which facilitates the translation of basic findings into clinical, in order to discover prospective therapies for neurological diseases and neuropsychiatric diseases. We offer an engaging and international research environment where you may contribute to high quality research on an internationally competitive level.

Your mission

Neurological diseases cause progressive loss of cognitive and/or motor function and pose major challenges for societies with rapidly aging populations. In our group we have been interested in studying the implication of GPR37 and p11 in different neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or major depression between others. Many studies describe the modulation of the serotonergic system by p11. Downregulation of p11, results in a decrease in the signalling of different serotonin receptors (i.e. 5-HT1 and 5-HT4) but at the moment the precise modulating mechanism remains unknown. Thus, more research should be done in order to find potential therapies for these diseases. In this project the function of p11 will be assed in vitro using immortalized cell lines, animal models and human samples.

Nowadays, many efforts are being focused in finding specific biomarkers at early stages of different neurodegenerative diseases. During the last decade, many studies have suggested potential diagnostic and prognostic value of CSF and blood biomarkers closely reflecting the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease, such as a-synuclein species, markers of amyloid and tau pathology, and neurofilament light chain. Recently, GPR37 has been postulated as a new potential biomarker for Parkinson’s disease in CSF. In view of adopting CSF and blood biomarkers for improving Parkinson’s disease diagnostic and prognostic accuracy, further validation in large independent cohorts is needed. In this project we will study the expression levels of GPR37 in different neurodegenerative diseases and human samples (i.e. brain tissue, CSF and plasma) and if there exist a relation between GPR37 and p11.

Independence and strong motivation are expected throughout the project. The successful candidate will be encouraged to serve as a mentor for exam students and Ph.D. students, thus building experience for future leadership. The position is for one year, with the possibility to be extended for another year.

Your profile

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.

Applicants must have a strong background in molecular and cellular biology of G protein coupled receptors as well as experience with animal models of neuropsychiatric diseases, such as depression and Parkinsons disease. Extensive experience with methods of molecular and cellular neuroscience including biochemistry is required. In addition, candidates must demonstrate a solid knowledge of histology and pharmacology in theory and practice. Ideal applicants will bring a strong team spirit to the laboratory. Excellent command of the English language is highly preferred.

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment full of expertise and curiosity. 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. Karolinska Institutet is a state university, which entitles to several benefits such as extended holiday and generous occupational pension. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Location: Solna

Read more about the research group you will be part of: https://ki.se/en/ cns/per-svenningssons-researchgroup

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 2019-12-20

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

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