Department of Experimental Medical Science

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

The position is fixed term for one year, start February 1th  2020, 100 % 

The research group

The ever-increasing life expectancy, sedentary life-styles, and dietary patterns rich in fat and sugar have led to a dramatic increase in the prevalence of age-associated disorders namely type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There is a growing body of epidemiological evidence suggesting that metabolic syndrome and T2D increase the risk of developing age-related cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, vascular dementia, and AD. Brain insulin resistance is a proposed link between T2D and dementia, through mechanisms that remain elusive. The

Diabetes and Brain Function lab at Lund University is recruiting an assistant researcher to investigate the roles of brain insulin signalling that link metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. The research to be conducted will focus on the physiological role insulin signalling controlling astrocyte-neuron interactions, on the involvement of astrocytes in the early neuronal dysfunction caused by insulin resistance, and on the ability of affording neuroprotection by targeting insulin signalling and connected pathways.

The lab is affiliated to a large consortium of research groups at Lund University dedicated to unravelling the pathogenesis and treatment of diabetes and metabolic disorders, the Lund University Diabetes Centre (LUDC), the EXODIAB (Excellence in Diabetes Research in Sweden), and the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), that is an initiative focusing on regenerative medicine.

Work Duties

  • Planning and conducting experiments
  • Collecting and analysing data
  • Resenting results at lab meetings and conferences
  • Writing reports and research papers
  • Preparing research proposals
  • Demonstrating procedures and supervising junior team members

The researcher will carry out investigation on brain function and metabolism in models of insulin resistance. Envisaged methods are:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy
  • Brain metabolomics in vivo and ex vivo
  • Immunoblotting methods on subcellular fractions of brain tissue or cells
  • Histology and immunofluorescence microscopy on brain tissue slices or cells
  • Isotopic tracing for metabolic flux analysis in vivo, in brain slices or cultured cells

The researcher will participate in interdisciplinary collaboration projects of the lab.

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry or scientific area judged equivalent
  • Knowledge of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and experience on preclinical magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy
  • Good knowledge of brain physiology and metabolism
  • Experience with immunoblotting methods and histology/immunofluorescence microscopy
  • Good presentation and writing skills in English
  • Motivation to pursue the research goals of our lab
  • Ability to work independently

Desirable

  • previous research experience abroad
  • interest in mentoring junior students

How to apply

The application should be prepared in English and include: (1) letter of motivation explaining the applicant's relevant experience and research interests; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records; (4) and contact details from at least two references.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100
City Lund
County Skåne län
Country Sweden
Reference number PA2019/3623
Contact
  • Joao Duarte, 046-2220000
  • Maria Palmkron, 046-2220000
Union representative
  • OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-222 93 62
  • SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, 046-222 93 64
  • SEKO: Seko Civil, 046-222 93 66
Published 05.Nov.2019
Last application date 19.Nov.2019 11:59 PM CET

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