Ass. for project on programmed neurons, patients with Alzheimer’s disease - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Job description

The focus of the project is to study induced human neurons (iN) from patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is a common neurodegenerative disease, which leads to progressive brain atrophy and cognitive decline. Aging and genetic factors are the two key risk factors for AD. There is still no cure or disease-modifying treatments, which is partly because the basic mechanisms of the disease are unclear. Studies on clinically relevant disease models are key to move the field forward. We therefore use iN from patients with AD. iN are directly converted from fibroblasts, and may (in contrast to neurons generated from iPSCs) preserve age at the cellular level. This opens for a possibility to understand how age-related changes in key molecular pathways lead to AD.

The project assistant will work on projects on iN cells in AD. One of our research aims is to correlate secretory pathway phenotypes with DNA-methylation-based epigenetic age of iN from donors with AD. The work may include cell culture of iN cells, biochemical analyses of DNA methylation and cellular AD biomarkers as well as light-microscopy imaging of iNs.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research team, spanning from experimental lab scientists to clinical researchers. Our research in the field of cellular disease models is expanding and a successful assistant will be encouraged to apply for a PhD student position in our team. Ultimately, our goal is to facilitate development of efficient treatments for AD.

Eligibility

Completed second-cycle degree, completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or largely equivalent knowledge acquired in some other way, in Sweden or abroad, are required.

Excellent written communication skills, are required.

Other qualifications considered as merits: Experience from cell biology work, experimental neuroscience, and/or other projects on neurodegenerative diseases.