Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 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.
The Department of Medical and Translational Biology at Umeå University announces a position as Staff Scientist in Integrative Neurophysiology with a focus on the pathophysiology of corticostriatal circuits in Parkinson’s disease. The position is based in the research group of Per Petersson at the Department of Medical and Translational Biology (MTB). MTB offers an active and creative research and educational environment for both employees and students. More information about the department can be found on our website: Department of Medical translational biology (umu.se).
Description of the project
Levodopa remains the most effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease, but long-term therapy frequently leads to levodopa-induced dyskinesias, a major clinical complication that limits treatment efficacy and significantly impairs patients’ quality of life. The aim of this project is to develop and evaluate a novel gene therapy strategy that selectively suppresses the pathological neuronal activity associated with dyskinesias while preserving normal brain function.
The project builds on recent advances in activity-dependent gene therapy, in which hyperactive neurons are targeted through expression of a modified potassium channel that reduces neuronal excitability only in cells exhibiting abnormally high levels of activity. Using well-established mouse models of Parkinson’s disease and levodopa-induced dyskinesias, the successful candidate will investigate the therapeutic efficacy, long-term effects, and underlying mechanisms of this approach through a combination of behavioral neuroscience, viral vector-mediated gene delivery, electrophysiology, movement analysis, and molecular methods.
The project is conducted in close collaboration between research groups at Lund University and Umeå University and combines fundamental neuroscience with a strong translational focus. The work has the potential to contribute to the development of a novel precision medicine strategy for the treatment of dyskinesias in Parkinson’s disease and may pave the way for future clinical applications of activity-dependent gene therapies.
The applicant should be able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
Qualifications
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with substantial experience in experimental in vivo neurophysiology.
The applicant is required to:
Hold a PhD degree in Neuroscience or another field closely related to the current project.
Have experience in experimental in vivo neurophysiology. Applicants who can document such experience through peer-reviewed publications will be given priority.
Have documented expertise in stereotaxic surgery, behavioral testing, and the analysis of behavioral and neurophysiological data.
Previous experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered a strong merit:
Design, fabrication, and chronic implantation of multielectrode arrays in mouse models of Parkinson’s disease.
Recording neuronal activity in corticostriatal networks in freely moving mouse models of Parkinson’s disease.
Behavioral manipulations using Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) in mouse models of Parkinson’s disease.
Viral vector-mediated transduction in mouse models of Parkinson’s disease.
Induction of 6-OHDA lesions in mice.
Administration of L-DOPA and experience with the assessment and scoring of dyskinesias (AIMs; Abnormal Involuntary Movements) in mouse models of Parkinson’s disease.
Training and implementation of decision-making behavioral paradigms in mice.
Miniscope implantation in mouse models of Parkinson’s disease.
Emphasis will also be placed on the applicant’s suitability for the current project and ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
Application and conditions
The employment is valid for 12 months, starting October, 2026, or as otherwise agreed.
Your application may be written in English (preferred) or Swedish. The application deadline is July 31.
The application should include:
A brief cover letter (approximately one page) describing the applicant’s research experience, research interests, and suitability for the project.
A curriculum vitae including degrees, positions held, publication list, and the names and contact information of two references.
Information
For further information, please contact Per Petersson,,Department of Medical and Translational Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden, Email: Per.Petersson@umu.se
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.
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