Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

Postdoctoral researcher positions are available at the Department of Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden for motivated young researchers wishing to join a multidisciplinary project with critical next steps to understand and to modulate novel mechanisms of neuroendocrine signaling in the hypothalamus and pancreas. The research project is supported by a grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Nordic Neuroendocrine Program for the next 2 years.


Division

During the recent past, our laboratory has discovered novel members of the exocytosis release machinery for the stress hormone, CRH, as well as for insulin. Our work has particularly focused on a novel class of calcium-sensor proteins, their localization, biochemical characterization, typifying of their protein-protein interactions and the structural investigation of the protein-complexes. Herewith, postdoctoral fellows are recruited to take the project forward to analyze, on the one hand, in genetic models how these proteins program hormone release and, on the other, define strategies to pharmacologically inhibit their action. Relevant literature includes: Malenczyk K. et al. EMBO J. PMID:28637794; Romanov RA. et al. EMBO J. PMID:25430741, Fuzik J et al. PNAS PMID: 31796600 and Malenczyk K. et al. Mol Metab. PMID: 29910119). Understanding these checkpoints of hormone release are expected to provide means to modulate stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and diabetes.

Post-doc position with a focus on cellular and rodent models of stress biology:

The candidate will be in charge to run genetic loss- and gain-of-function analysis, neurocircuit identification, as well as be involved in the molecular dissection of how proteins and small molecules impact hormone release in scalable in vitro systems (primary cells, cell lines). Thus, her/his role in exploring the impact of pharmaceutical modulation of hormone availability and function will be seen as essential for the success of the program of work.

Duties

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in the fields of molecular neuroscience, neuropharmacology or neuroendocrinology. Documented experience in working with cell cultures (primary cells, cell lines, iPS models), including their genetic manipulation will be minimally required. Experience with the genetic analysis of protein function in mouse models will be seen as a plus. Experimental knowledge in measuring vesicle neuropeptide/hormone transport and release will be seen as critical knowledge. Outstanding communication skills in English (both written and oral), and an ability to interact socially and scientifically in a multinational environment will be required. Prior involvement in international consortia/collaborations will be deemed an advantage. A strong publication record will be considered as an important merit during the selection process.

Entry requirements

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: Stockholm (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

First day of employment January 2022
Reference number STÖD 2-4788/2021
Contact
  • Tibor Harkany, 08-524 876 56
Published 01.Nov.2021
Last application date 31.Jan.2022 11:59 PM CET

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