Postdoctoral scholarship in Integrative Neurophysiology – with a focus on physiological recordings of brain activity in rodent models of Parkinson’s disease
We are announcing a two-year full-time postdoc position in Integrative Neurophysiology at the Department of Medical and Translational Biology at Umeå University, Sweden. For two years from 1 April 2024. Application deadline is 8 May 2024.
Description of the project
Our research group aims to understand how different parts of the central nervous system cooperate to generate purposeful behaviors. In particular, we study how the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia interact to select and execute different motor behaviors, both under normal conditions and in an individual afflicted by Parkinson’s disease. Our research is truly interdisciplinary, and this is reflected by the different academic backgrounds of our team memebers – including medicine, physics/engineering, biology etc. (see e.g. PMIDs: 33036974; 25447740; 34936519; 23175810; 19299613; 12840761).
The specific project has a focus on clarifying pathophysiological properties of corticostriatal circuits responsible for the various symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease and levodopa-induced dyskinesia. The planned research involves several advanced experimental techniques for optical, chemical end electrical manipulation of physiological processes in vivo, in conjunction with recording of electrophysiological signals from hundreds of chronically implanted microelectrodes in behaving rodents.
Work responsibilities
The applicant is expected to independently coordinate the planned research, be part of experimental design, carry out the experiments and subsequent data analyses. Our lab has a strong tradition of collaborative work and the postdoctoral researcher is expected to be able to work both independently and as a part of the research team.
Eligibility
A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate in a subject of relevance for the project, including medicine, physics, engineering, biology and similar fields, is eligible for scholarship as postdoctoral researcher. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time at which the admission decision is made.
A good understanding of the motor systems and experimental skills in in vivo physiology is required, together with an ability to communicate in written and spoken scientific English.
Additional useful qualifications
Previous experimental experience of in vivo neurophysiology in awake animals, using optical techniques and/or microelectrode recordings is considered and extra merit. Experience of data analyses of neurophysiological data is also considered and extra merit.
Since postdoctoral researcher is a career-development position for junior researchers, we are primarily interested in applicants who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, an applicant who has completed their degree earlier than that may be considered. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, clinical practice, appointments of trust for a trade union organisation or other similar circumstances, and for relevant duties/assignments within the subject area.
A brief description of your research interests and a statement describing why you are interested in the position.
CV
List of publications
Degree certificate from doctoral studies and other relevant degrees
Contact details of two reference persons
Submit your application as a PDF marked with the reference number FS 2.1.6-310-24, both in the file name and in the subject field of the email, to medel@diarie.umu.se. The application can be written in English or Swedish. Application deadline is 6 May 2024.
