Postdoctoral position at the Centre for Stereology and Neuroscience

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoctoral researcher for a 2-year position with start date in February 2025 (or as mutually agreed) to join us in advancing our understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

The project we are recruiting for aims to investigate the impact of protein fibrils extracted from human brains on microglia function and their role on neuroinflammatory processes associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

Our research group

The Centre for Stereology and Neuroscience, consisting of 15 staff and students, offers an ambitious and collaborative research environment. Our multidisciplinary lab focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying movement disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s Disease and atypical parkinsonism disorders) and brain-related conditions like schizophrenia and dementia. We analyse brain tissue from deceased patients using stereology-based approaches and molecular biology, alongside in vivo and in vitro models for proof-of-mechanism studies. With access to a large brain collection, we collaborate closely with clinicians at the Department of Neurology at Bispebjerg Hospital, and participate in the Centre for Translational Research, encouraging interdisciplinary connections across research units at Bispebjerg Hospital.

You can find more about us at https://www.bispebjerghospital.dk/afdelinger-og-klinikker/neurologisk-afdeling/forskning/center-for-neurovidenskab-og-stereologi/Sider/default.aspx

Project focus

The specific project targets the mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), two neurodegenerative disorders caused by the aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the brain. While PD progresses slowly, MSA leads to death within five to six years. The presence of distinct α-syn strains in PD and MSA may explain differences in disease progression, offering potential avenues for therapeutic intervention. Using human-derived iPSC-microglia and established animal models of α-syn overexpression, we aim to investigate these mechanisms and explore treatments strategies to enhance α-syn clearance, with the goal of reducing neuroinflammation and slowing disease progression.

Key responsibilities

Your tasks will include the optimisation and implementation of experimental workflows for high throughput testing of α-syn fibrils, purified and seeded from human post-mortem brains, in assessing microglia function in vitro and in vivo models to better understand neuroinflammatory pathways.

We are looking for a person with the following qualifications,

• Required:
  • PhD or equivalent in biological, biomedical or pharmaceutical sciences
  • Experience in iPSC culture protocols, live imaging analysis and/or animal stereotaxic operations (FELASA C certification required)
  • Experience in data analysis by use of R, Python, MATLAB or related programs
  • Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
  • Excellent English skills written and spoken
• Preferred:
  • Experience in omics and bioinformatics
  • Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals

Candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, and eager to contribute to multidisciplinary research are especially encouraged to apply.

Expectations and benefits

• Establish and maintain iPSC cultures in the lab, oversee animal experiments, and ensure rigorous ethical and procedural standards.
• Actively participate in lab-wide research activities and contribute to collaborative projects
• Be open to short-term research visits with our collaborators in the USA
• Publish research findings in high-quality, peer reviewed journals
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and engage in outreach activities to broaden the impact of our work
• Lead efforts in applying for project funding to support ongoing and future research
• Mentor and support graduate and PhD students, encouraging a collaborative and productive research environment.

We offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment with a strong translational focus, providing you with the opportunity to shape and advance your own research. By joining our team, you’ll play a vital role in driving impactful translational studies with the potential to make meaningful clinical advances in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Salary and terms of employment under the current agreement.

Application deadline: Sunday 1th December 2024.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Applications should be addressed to Head of Research Susana Aznar and sent through RegionH application portal.

For further information please contact Head of Research Susana Aznar, tlf. 3863 5811/2289 7024 or Email: [email protected]