Research Assistant in Systems Neuroscience Neural basis of survival behaviors Full-time

Research Assistant in Systems Neuroscience Neural Basis of Survival Behaviors

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research? The Stagkourakis lab, located in state-of-the-art facilities at the interface of Karolinska Institutet and the Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab) in Stockholm, is recruiting for up to three research assistant positions in experimental neuroscience. The lab is integrated into a leading, highly interdisciplinary, world-class environment i.e., the Department of Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet, and is also part of SciLifeLab, a Swedish national center for large-scale research in molecular biosciences, cutting-edge infrastructure, and expertise in data analytics. The aim of the lab is to contribute to a better understanding of the neural basis of prototypical behaviors, including instinctual and homeostatic behaviors, such as aggression, fear, food, and water intake. Primary experimental techniques utilized in our lab include but are not limited to; in vivo large-scale electrophysiology, miniscope and 2P imaging, AAV-mediated transduction of neural circuits of interest, and animal behavior.

Applicants must submit their applications through Varbi (see the end of the ad for details). For a short overview of the lab and related publications to its research program, see here.

Your Mission

Research in our lab integrates various approaches, making us open to individuals from diverse backgrounds. A foundation in quantitative fields (e.g., mathematics, engineering, computer science, physics) or prior experience in experimental techniques (e.g., molecular biology, high-channel density silicon probe electrophysiology in vivo or in vitro, advanced animal behavior designs and analysis, miniscope or two-photon imaging) is advantageous. Candidates are expected to demonstrate previous productivity and have prior experience working in a lab.

Your Profile

A combination of at least some of the following skills is essential:

• Ability to work with complex experimental setups.
• Ability to work independently.
• Proficiency in “big” data analysis (using MATLAB or Python).
• FELASA B accreditation.

Candidates with demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following domains will be prioritized:

• Assembly, maintenance, and use of complex imaging systems.
• Combination of behavior experiments with neural recordings using the Inscopix mini endoscope, or 2P imaging.
• Ability to explore and analyze large datasets using modern machine learning methods and a data-centered approach.
• Previous participation in collaborative projects with computational or experimental researchers.
• Familiarity with Arduino, Bonsai, DataJoint, DeepLabCut, keypoint MoSeq or neural data recording platforms.
• Use of hardware and (custom) software to interface and synchronize behavioral and neural recording setups.

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. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several good benefits through our collective agreement. And you get to practice freely in our modern wellness facilities, where trained staff are on site.

The Department of Neuroscience at Karolinska Institute hosts 35 research groups and teams dealing with different aspects of the function of the nervous system, both under normal conditions and during different diseases:

SciLifeLab is a national resource of unique technologies and expertise available to life scientists, closely intertwined with the community of researchers in areas such as biomedicine, ecology and evolution. Its purpose is to bring scientists together across traditional boundaries and foster collaborations with industry, health care, public research organizations and international partners.

In the Stagkourakis lab, alongside comprehensive on-the-job training in scientific and technical skills, we mentor lab members in various professional aspects, including writing research proposals and papers, analyzing and presenting data, giving talks, supervising students, and more. The greatest strength of the laboratory is its people, and we are committed to fostering a strong collaborative culture. The research assistant will also benefit from exposure to the vibrant Neuroscience community at KI and will receive support from outstanding technical teams at KI and SciLifeLab on approaches including microscopy, RNA sequencing, bioinformatics, data science, animal husbandry, and animal behavior. They will also be supported administratively and experimentally by staff.

Location: Solna

The Stagkourakis Lab is located at Biomedicum and SciLifeLab, at the Karolinska Institutet Solna Campus

• Biomedicum, Dept. of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, 171 65 Solna
• SciLifeLab, Gamma 5, Tomtebodavägen 23, 171 65 Solna

Application

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system. In this recruitment, you will apply with your CV without a personal letter. Instead, you will answer some questions about why you are applying for the job in the application form. Candidates with a strong interest in pursuing doctoral training in neural circuits and behavior, i.e., the research focus of our lab are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is a fixed-term position for 6 months, to be extended to 1 year.