Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
Department of Medical and Translational Biology is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in brain aging.
Project Description
Human brain aging is one of the main risk factors for the development of neurodegenerative disorders, therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms behind healthy brain aging is extremely relevant. Our group approaches this question from a novel perspective, by studying the role of transposable elements (TEs) in this process. TEs occupy 50% of the human genome and are known to be very strong gene regulators. Therefore, to avoid their harmful effects, in adult tissues they are silenced by epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation. Dr. Horvath’s previous research has uncovered several mechanisms by which TEs regulate gene expression in the human brain, including through interaction with their epigenetic repressors such as DNA methylation. Importantly, our preliminary data revealed significant alterations in this epigenetic repression as we age, posing one of the group’s main research questions: How do age-related changes in epigenetic repression alter the impact of TEs in the elderly brain?
In this project we will aim to answer this question by focusing on the white matter in the brain, known to be greatly affected during aging, and its main cell type, oligodendrocytes. We will leverage patient-derived material such as post-mortem tissue and cell models, including cellular reprogramming coupled with CRISPR gene editing. We use state-of-the-art sequencing methods e.g. Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing and 10X genomics single-cell sequencing. Moreover, we will work with TE tailored bioinformatic approaches for analyzing the generated datasets.
The laboratory of Functional Neurogenomics led by Dr. Horvath is a new and dynamically growing research group, where you will be part of a vibrant and stimulating international environment.
Duties
As a postdoctoral researcher in this project, you will be working with patient-derived cell lines such as fibroblasts, iPSCs and neural progenitor cells and apply direct reprogramming approaches. You will also be doing co-culture of different cell types such as oligodendrocytes and neurons and will use advanced imaging analysis to study functional effects.
Qualifications
To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, the applicant must have a PhD degree, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD degree, in the relevant subject. This qualifications requirement must be met no later than the time when the employment decision is made.
The candidate must have excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written, as well as good communication skills
We seek a talented and curious researcher with independent and critical thinking skills, who has previously contributed to interesting and productive research and who can work both independently and collaboratively within the research group.
Since a postdoctoral appointment is a career-development position for junior researchers, we primarily seek candidates who obtained their PhD no more than three years before the application deadline. However, candidates who earned their degree earlier may also be considered if there are special circumstances, such as parental leave, illness, clinical service, or other relevant professional duties.
Additional meritorious qualifications include:
Experience in advanced imaging techniques
Cell culture experience
Genetic laboratory work together with basic molecular biology techniques
Lentiviral vector handling
Confocal and fluorescence microscopy
Light sheet fluorescence microscopy
Image analysis workflows
Immunofluorescence optimization and protocol development
About the Position
This is a full-time, fixed-term position for two years, in accordance with the agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher.
Application
The application must include:
A brief description of research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
CV
List of publications
Degree certificate from doctoral studies and other relevant degrees
Contact information for two references
The application must be written in English. Applications should be submitted via our e-recruitment system Varbi and received no later than 2026-01-09.
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
