Postdoctoral Researcher in molecular neuroanatomy Full-time NEW

Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Neuroanatomy

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 46,000 students and 8,500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard equality, equal opportunities and diversity as a strength and an asset.

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.

We are now seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join an experimental research project investigating the organisation and function of brain circuits relevant to Parkinson's disease. 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.

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

Within our research group, we prioritize a good working environment based on mutual respect and care. We strive to create a workplace that is perceived as stimulating and conducive to both personal and professional development. We continuously work to foster a sense of joy, engagement, and inclusion among all team members, ensuring both physical safety and a supportive psychosocial work environment.

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.

The position is full-time. The suggested start date is January 11th, 2027, or as agreed upon.

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 is primarily laboratory-based and involves hands-on experimental research, including:

• 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.

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 position offers an exciting opportunity for an early-career researcher to become part of an ambitious, internationally collaborative research effort supported by the Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) initiative. By combining human neuroanatomy with experimental neuroscience, the project addresses fundamental questions about the organisation and function of the subthalamic region in Parkinson's disease. The candidate will have the opportunity to develop expertise in comparative molecular neuroanatomy and functional circuit analysis, contribute to scientific publications and presentations, and collaborate with national and international research partners. Opportunities to supervise students and other academic activities are also included.

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.

For postdoctoral appointments, the following shall form the basis for assessment:

• Proven ability to develop and conduct high-quality research

Additional qualifications will be assessed based on the following requirements for the position:

• PhD in neurobiology, experimental psychology, pharmacology or a related discipline.
• 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.

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.

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. We will mainly consider candidates who have completed their PhD degree no more than three (3) years before the last date for applications. 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.

This is a full-time employment limited to 2 years, with the possibility of extension for up to one additional year. Preliminary start is the 11th of January 2027, or according to agreement. 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 November 19, 2021.

The position is sought via the university's recruitment system. The application must include a personal letter (maximum two pages) in which you describe how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position. The application must also contain a CV, including a list of publications, a general description of previous research work (maximum one page), a copy of the doctorate and anything else you wish to refer to (copies of diplomas, grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.) as well as contact information for two references.