Postdoctoral Researcher, Molecular Neuroanatomy at Lund University, Lund, Skåne County, Sweden

Lund University is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher for the Molecular Neuroanatomy research group, led by Åsa Mackenzie, in Lund, Skåne County, Sweden. This Lund University postdoc position requires a PhD in neurobiology, experimental psychology, pharmacology or a related discipline.

Lund University Postdoc Job Details

Company: Lund University

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher

Research Group: Molecular Neuroanatomy, led by Åsa Mackenzie

Location: Lund, Skåne County, Sweden

Workplace: The research is conducted at BMC (Biomedical Centre), located close to Skåne University Hospital in Lund.

Employment Type: Full-time

Contract Duration: Full-time employment limited to 2 years, with the possibility of extension for up to one additional year.

Start Date: The suggested start date is 11 January 2027, or as agreed upon.

Project Details

The project is supported by the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network (CRN), an international research initiative dedicated to accelerating discoveries in Parkinson’s disease through scientific collaboration, resource development and data sharing, and with specific ambition to support the next generation of Parkinson’s researchers.

The project involves neuroanatomical analyses of brain sections from mice, macaques and humans, as well as functional studies in mouse models, including optogenetic manipulation and behavioural analyses.

Job Description

The Molecular Neuroanatomy research group, led by Åsa Mackenzie, investigates the brain regions and neural circuits involved in the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The group combines anatomical, molecular and functional approaches, with a particular focus on the subthalamic nucleus (STN), an important target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson’s disease.

The overarching aim is to characterise the molecular and anatomical organisation of the human subthalamic region and investigate the functional relevance of selected neural populations using optogenetic approaches in mice.

The project comprises two complementary research components: (1) comparative molecular and anatomical mapping of the subthalamic region in human, mouse and non-human primate (macaque) brain tissue, and (2) experimental studies in mice involving optogenetic manipulation of neural circuits and behavioural analyses.

The work in this Lund University postdoc role is primarily laboratory-based and involves hands-on experimental research.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will take primary responsibility for planning and conducting the experimental work, analysing and reporting results, and contributing to the overall research objectives. The work includes:

  • Molecular and anatomical mapping: Histological analysis of human, mouse and macaque brain tissue using techniques such as in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry, followed by microscopy, image analysis and spatial reconstruction.
  • Optogenetic and behavioural studies: PCR-based genotyping, stereotactic brain surgery, viral vector delivery and optical fibre implantation, optogenetic manipulation of neural circuits, and behavioural assessment in mouse models relevant to Parkinson’s disease.
  • Molecular and spatial data integration: Integration of histological and molecular findings with existing MRI-based anatomical datasets and DBS stimulation data from clinical and preclinical studies.
  • Research communication and collaboration: Analysis, interpretation and presentation of research findings, including preparation of scientific manuscripts and presentations at national and international meetings.

Opportunities to supervise students and other academic activities are also included.

Lund University Postdoc Eligibility Criteria

  • Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. This eligibility requirement needs to be met no later than the time when the employment decision is made.
  • Candidates who have completed their PhD degree no more than three (3) years before the last date for applications will mainly be considered. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier. These circumstances refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical work, positions of trust within trade union organizations or other similar circumstances.

Required Skills

  • Proven ability to develop and conduct high-quality research.
  • Documented practical research experience in experimental neuroscience, including relevant histological and/or molecular techniques.
  • Practical experience in at least some of the following: optogenetics, behavioral analysis, stereotactic surgery and molecular genotyping.
  • FELASA-accredited training, or equivalent qualifications, for work with laboratory animals.
  • Ability to work independently, take initiative and demonstrate strong scientific and technical competence.

Meritorious Qualifications

  • Experience in optogenetic manipulation and behavioural studies in mouse models.
  • Experience in stereotactic brain surgery, viral vector delivery and optical fibre implantation.
  • Experience in molecular neuroanatomy, in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry.
  • Experience in comparative neuroanatomy, particularly involving human and non-human primate brain tissue.
  • Experience in microscopy, advanced image analysis and spatial reconstruction.
  • Experience integrating histological findings with MRI-based anatomical data or DBS-related data.
  • Previous postdoctoral or other relevant research experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings through scientific publications and oral presentations.
  • Experience in scientific writing and preparation of manuscripts for publication.

Documents Required

  • A personal letter (maximum two pages) describing how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position.
  • A CV, including a list of publications.
  • A general description of previous research work (maximum one page).
  • A copy of the doctorate.
  • Anything else you wish to refer to (copies of diplomas, grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.).
  • Contact information for two references.

How to Apply for the Lund University Postdoc

The Lund University postdoc position is sought via the university’s recruitment system.

Additional Information

Basis for assessment: This is a merit-based position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in the academic career, and the selection will be based primarily on scientific merit and potential as a researcher. Particular emphasis will be placed on demonstrated scientific skills within the subject area. Scientific productivity, including publications and other research outputs, as well as demonstrated ability to develop and conduct high-quality research, will be considered in the overall assessment.

Working environment: Within the research group, a good working environment based on mutual respect and care is prioritised. The group aims to create a workplace that is perceived as stimulating and conducive to both personal and professional development, and works continuously to foster a sense of joy, engagement, and inclusion among all team members, ensuring both physical safety and a supportive psychosocial work environment.

Benefits: Lund University is a governmental authority, which means you get special benefits, generous holidays, and a favorable occupational pension. Read more on the university’s website about being employed at Lund University, Work at Lund University.

Terms of employment: The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral researcher”) between SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 19 November 2021.

CTA:

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

Applications are submitted through the university’s recruitment system.