Postdoctoral researcher position in Cell replacement therapy for Parkinson’s disease - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in the laboratory of Professor Ernest Arenas http://ernestarenaslab.org/. The position will be placed in the Division of Molecular Neurobiology, a cluster of 8 research groups forming a dynamic and collaborative research environment within the MBB department, at the Karolinska Institute.

Our laboratory is located in the Karolinska Institute, one of the world's leading medical universities and home of the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology. Karolinska Institutet conducts cutting edge medical research and holds the largest range of medical research and education in Sweden. Positions will be placed in Biomedicum, one of the largest and most modern research buildings in Northern Europe. Our lab offers an inclusive, interactive, multidisciplinary and international research work environment, where you can enjoy science and develop your career. You will be part of a team addressing fundamental questions and advancing therapies to combat neurodegeneration.

Your mission

We look for two postdoctoral fellows interested in developing precision cell replacement strategies for Parkinson’s disease based on cell engineering. Our laboratory has previously provided proof of concept that the conversion of somatic cells into midbrain dopamine neurons in vivo can rescue motor deficits in a mouse model of PD (Rivetti di val Cervo, 2017, Nature Biotechnology). Expanding on our previous single cell RNA-seqeuncing analysis of the developing human midbrain (La Manno et al., 2016, Cell), we have recently identified a number of factors important for the development and maintenance of adult DA neuron subtype identity (bioRxiv 2022.10.24.513487 and 2022.10.12.511898). We now aim at engineering somatic cells into subtype-specific DA neurons in order to develop more precise cell replacement strategies for Parkinson’s disease.  

The project involves the use of viral vectors, molecular and morphological methods, stereotaxic surgery, single cell RNA-sequencing and functional genomics.

The position is part of a project supported by an ERC Advanced Grant (PreciseCell PD, 2021-2026) and a collaborative project of the EU (Neurostemcell-reconstruct, 2019-2024).

Your profile

You are a PhD about to defend your thesis or a Postdoctoral interested in transcriptional networks, dopaminergic neuron development, and/or Parkinson’s disease and cell replacement/regenerative therapy. You have previous experience in working with one or more of the following: molecular biology, viral vectors, cell culture, immunocyto/histochemistry, electrophysiology, single cell RNA-sequencing, functional genomics, computational biology, stereotaxic surgery, gene therapy, rodent models of Parkinson’s disease. Previous experience of working in international environments will be advantageous. Applicants should have good communication skills and be proficient in spoken and written English.

What do we offer?

We offer full time (100%) postdoctoral positions, starting in 2023. The position offers excellent training possibilities, outstanding research network and opportunities to interact and collaborate with leading laboratories and researchers around the world.

Our unit offers a creative, inspiring, interactive and international research environment, where you can develop, enjoy science and make a difference.

Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities and home of the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology. Karolinska Institutet conducts cutting edge medical research and holds the largest range of medical education in Sweden. Our mission is to gain biomedical knowledge and improve human health.

As employer, Karolinska Institutet offers several benefits to its employees such as extended holiday, generous occupational pension, free access to a modern gym and reimbursements for medical care.

Location: Solna 

Application

Your application must contain the following documents in English:

1. A complete curriculum vitae, including date of the thesis defense, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
2. A complete list of publications.
3. A personal letter summarizing of current work, experience and motivation to apply
4. Three references.
5. If the thesis defense is scheduled in the next months: Verification from the thesis committee or equivalent.

In assessing candidates we will place our emphasis on the personal trajectory, education, technical skills, CV, merits and previous experience.

You are welcome to apply at the latest by the 28th of February 2023

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

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