Postdoctoral studies in experimental neurotraumatology (scholarship)

Do you want to contribute to improving health within the military community?

We are looking for a researcher for a position as postdoc at the Unit for experimental traumatology (XT), which conducts research and research education in defence medicine.

Division

XT (The unit for experimental traumatology) at the Department of Neuroscience is a basic science laboratory that conducts research in experimental traumatology within a context of defence medicine. The research aims to improve survival after injuries, through improved primary and secondary care, but also safer work environment The unit conducts research in two focus areas: prehospital care and protection, and neurotraumatology. This includes reduction of deaths due to massive bleeding and lost airway, strategies to reduce death or disability due to traumatic brain injury, and injury mechanisms related to body armour and helmets. The unit is located in Biomedicum and Astrid Fagraeus laboratory in Solna, close to Stockholm centre.

XT  is launching ReBINT, a comprehensive research effort to investigate effects of mild traumatic brain injury from repeated blast overpressure exposure (BOP). Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is one of the most common combat injuries, with blast-related injuries being unique to the military contexts and making up a substantial proportion of all military-related mTBI. Blast-induced mTBI (blast induced neurotrauma, BINT) occurs from exposure to overpressure caused by explosions, often linked to improvised explosive devices, use of heavy weapons, and training with explosives as in breaching of buildings. Despite decades of research, the mechanisms, treatment, and recovery for BINT remain poorly understood.

Our research goals of ReBINT include the following. Injury Mapping: Study damage mechanisms in the brain; from tissue to molecular level. Biomarkers: Identify indicators for early diagnosis. Behavioural monitoring: Track cognitive and sleep changes via telemetry. Protective Strategies: Evaluate helmet designs and materials. Treatment : Explore medical and training-based interventions in collaboration with The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), and The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI). The research initiative has the potential to significantly improve our understanding of BINT. By identifying biomarkers and mapping injury mechanisms, the findings could enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis of BINT. Insights into primary and secondary neurodegenerative processes will lead to the development of targeted therapies, while the evaluation of protective equipment, such as advanced helmet designs, could reduce the incidence of BINT.

Duties

The position as postdoc is focused on ReBINT. We are looking for a candidate who is interested in translational neurobiology, including damage mechanisms and neurodegeneration. You will use the technologies used by the unit to simulate damage, and use and develop new physiological, morphological, cell and molecular biological analysis techniques. You will conduct training and supervision of students at all levels, including doctoral students within the unit.

Assessment criteria

It is particularly meritorious that you have demonstrated

• A PhD in neuroscience, traumatology or equivalent.
• Formal education and experience of planning and conducting animal experiments.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge in physiological, morphological, cell and molecular

biological analysis techniques, as well as experience in using animal model systems, particularly rat models, including immunohistochemistry and behavioural studies.

• Knowledge in physiology, anaesthesiology and monitoring related to preclinical

experimentation, as well as good knowledge in statistics and planning of research.

• You are curious, ambitious, and able to work independently.
• You have strong communication and coordination skills.

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