Postdoctoral studies in Psychedelic Therapies for Depression: A Translational Neuroscience Approach Full-time NEW

Postdoctoral Studies in Psychedelic Therapies for Depression: A Translational Neuroscience Approach

We are seeking 1–2 postdoctoral researchers to join an innovative research program investigating the behavioral, physiological, and molecular mechanisms underlying the rapid and long‑term effects of psychedelic compounds. Applications are invited for positions in the Lopez laboratory at the Department of Neuroscience (NEURO), Karolinska Institutet, Solna campus.

The postdoctoral researcher will be part of the Neurobiology of Stress and Treatment Response Research Group at NEURO led by Assistant Professor Juan Pablo Lopez. Dr. Lopez leads a pre-clinical research program that studies the molecular mechanisms, cellular circuits, and behavioral correlates, associated with stress-related psychiatric disorders and their treatments, using animal models. The Lopez laboratory has extensive expertise in cutting‑edge methodologies, including high‑throughput transcriptomics (bulk and single‑cell), viral gene manipulation, animal models of stress (in both males and females), and automated behavioral tracking systems. Dr. Lopez is also a member of the managing committees for the ECNP: Psychedelic research Network, and PSY-NET – COST-Action CA24130 (Psychedelic renaissance: turn on, tune in and drop in), which will provide the postdoc with access to collaborations with internationally recognized European researchers and centers with a track-record within psychedelic research (both preclinical and clinical).

More information about the Lopez Laboratory can be found here: Lopez lab

Duties

We are looking for an outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher who is interested in studying the molecular mechanisms responsible for the antidepressant effects of psychedelic compounds. This individual should be passionately committed to furthering knowledge of psychiatric neurobiology with the aim of improving the treatments for stress-related mental health disorders. The successful applicant will perform experiments in mice to identify and characterize the molecular and physiological effects associated with the antidepressant effects of various psychedelic compounds. This will be accomplished using a combination of viral activity-dependent labelling techniques, cell-type specific methods (e.g., single cell RNA-sequencing), novel and automated behavioral tracking systems, as well as state-of-the-art wireless devices to monitor physiological processes and behavioral states. You will play a leading role in experimental design, execution of experiments, analysis of data, writing research findings, as well as presentation and publication of results. You will work with collaborating laboratories to learn and adapt new techniques. You will also have a chance to collaborate with the scientists who are pioneers in their fields.

Entry Requirements

To qualify for a postdoctoral position, candidates must hold a doctoral degree or possess equivalent scientific competence. Applicants who have not yet completed their doctorate at the time of application may also be considered, provided that all requirements for the degree are fulfilled before the intended start date. This must be confirmed by the applicant's main supervisor, director, or equivalent. We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a strong background in neuroscience and demonstrated expertise in experimental and/or computational approaches.

Required qualifications:

• The candidate must have a PhD (or equivalent experience) and a strong research background in a neuroscience-related field (clinical, biological, or computational).
• Demonstrated experience with automated behavioral tracking and pose estimation tools (e.g. DeepLabCut, SLEAP) is essential.
• High proficiency in programming and data analysis, including experience with languages such as Python and/or R is mandatory.
• Experience applying machine learning approaches and analyzing large-scale datasets, including use of GPU-based computational infrastructure will be prioritized.
• Experience with implantation of telemetry devices and analysis of wireless physiological data will be prioritized.
• FELASA certification or equivalent training in laboratory animal science.
• Hands-on experience working with animal models of stress and anxiety.
• Experience with behavioral and cognitive testing in mice.
• Background in neuroendocrinology and/or pharmacology.
• Experience performing stereotaxic brain surgeries in mice.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g. DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, genotyping).
• Experience with immunohistochemistry, RNAscope, or related labelling techniques.
• Advanced experience with microscopy techniques (confocal and fluorescence).
• Hands-on expertise in brain dissection and cryosectioning techniques.

In addition, applicants should be highly collegial and comfortable working in team‑science settings. Strong organizational skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and maintain high levels of motivation. At the same time, candidates should be effective team players, given the collaborative nature of the project. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required, including experience in scientific writing. English will be the working language for this position.

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.

The successful candidate will benefit from close mentorship, access to state‑of‑the‑art experimental and computational infrastructure, and an established international network in psychedelic research. The position is two years with potential to extend. The Lopez laboratory is strongly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusiveness, and encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

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 :

• 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)

KI applies individual and differentiated salary setting in accordance with our collective agreements RALS and RALS-T

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 – According to agreement

Reference number – STÖD 2-2294/2026

Contact – Juan Pablo Lopez, jpablo.lopez@ki.se

Published – 26.May.2026

Last application date – 16.Jun.2026