Biträdande forskare - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Our research group at the Department of Experimental Medical Science - Lund University is looking to fill a position of a researcher (m/f) in full-time (100%) with the main focus on sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling during hypertension-induced cerebral small vessel disease.

Our group concentrates on the investigation of cellular signaling pathways and pathophysiological mechanisms, which underlie changes in vascular homeostasis during hypertension. To identify potential target structures for new therapies, we study cellular functions in transgenic models of hypertension and hypertension-related diseases using a wide array of in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo methods. We offer a project in a motivated international research team, the possibility to apply state-of-the-art techniques and the possibility of project-related research stays with our collaborative partners abroad.

Arbetsuppgifter

The position holder will participate in a research project to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regenerative effects of SphK2 inhibition in hypertension. The project will mainly engage the use of the following techniques:

• - in vivo work (incl. stereotactic surgery, different injection routines, behavioral testing including Morris Water Maze, object and placement recognition), and
• - ex vivo studies including histological and immunological methods (cryosectioning, staining), fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy, protein and nucleic acid biochemistry (Protein purification and analysis by FPLC, radioactive labelling, RNA-protein pulldowns), lipid/sphingolipid extraction
• - in vitro experimentation (molecular cloning, luciferase reporter assays, siRNA-mediated knockdown, isolation of microRNAs)

The successful applicant is expected to independently design and perform experiments, run statistical analyses and interpret the data.

Krav

PhD in Biochemistry.

Solid knowledge in biochemistry and organic chemistry and proven experience in neurobiology. Previous practical experience in work with research animals (incl. stereotactic surgery, different injection routines and behavioral testing such as Morris Water Maze, Object and Placement recognition tasks), and the ability to independently perform extensive ex vivo and in vitro analyses (incl. protein purification and analysis with FPLC, isoelectric focusing, radioactive labeling, RNA-protein pulldown, in vitro transcription and translation, molecular cloning, reporter assays, isolation of microRNAs) in murine and human tissue are required. Previous experience with lipid/sphingolipid extraction (also from complex tissue), HPLC and mass spectrometry are required. A solid knowledge regarding S1P biology in cardiovascular disease is expected.

Good knowledge of English (speaking and writing) are required. Desirable techniques include Western blotting, qPCR and immunohistochemistry.

Meriterande

Good knowledge of spectrometry method development is considered a merit as well as previous experience with confocal laser scanning microscopy, production of lentiviral vectors and lentiviral transduction and statistical software (such as GraphPad and SPSS).

Knowledge in extraction of specific brain regions, methodological expertise in cerebral vessel enrichment techniques, and ability to independently develop/validate methods are considered a merit.

Interest in international exchange is strongly encouraged.