Postdoctoral researcher within Stem Cells, Aging and Neurodegeneration

Description of the workplace

The Stem Cells, Aging and Neurodegeneration group is using stem cell, reprogramming and genome engineering technologies to study aging and neurodegeneration.

The team is working on several projects related to the development and use of novel in vitro disease models for neurodegeneration.

The group is led by Associate professor Henrik Ahlenius and includes one PhD student, four post-docs, a research engineer and a few master students with different nationalities and background. The group is placed at BMC, Department of Experimental Medical Science and Lund Stem Cell Center. Read more about the team HERE.

We are looking for an experienced and ambitious post-doctoral fellow to broaden and strengthen our expertise in modeling of neurodegenerative disorders.

As a work place we value an open, inclusive and equal work environment.

Project description

You will work with the continued development, validation and use of genome engineered pluripotent stem cell based models of Alzheimer's disease. The work includes both development of new models as well as using established models to study the role of glial cells in Alzheimer's disease.

Duties and responsibilities

At Lund University, a postdoctoral position should provide opportunities for scientific and educational merit. Primarily, there is room for merit in research, but also for some higher education pedagogical training. Teaching may also be included in the duties.

You will be responsible for planning and performing research to further the development and use of genome engineering of pluripotent stem cells as well as reprogramming pluripotent cells to neurons, astrocytes, and other neural and non-neural cells. The results from these studies will be the basis for creating novel, state of the art cell based models of Alzheimer's disease.

The work includes CRISPR engineering of pluripotent stem cells, cellular reprogramming; molecular cloning, viral vector design as well as cellular, molecular and functional assays mainly in vitro.

The main task is laboratory and analysis work. In addition, presenting your research nationally and internationally, writing research articles as well as grant applications is part of the job description. Some supervision and teaching might be included.

You will be part of two vibrant strategic research areas and have access to several career development activities.

Qualifications

Requirements for the position are:

• PhD. The doctoral degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made
• good ability to develop and carry out high quality research
  teaching ability.
• Strong background in cell and molecular biology
• Documented experience from independent laboratory and analysis work
• Excellent team player
• Good at taking own initiatives
• Goal directed
• Good command of the English language

Merits for the position are:

• First preference will be given to candidates who have obtained a degree no more than three years before the closing date for applications
• Experienced with genome engineering and cre/lox systems
• Experienced with cellular reprogramming towards neural linages
• Experienced with cellular models of neurodegenerative disorders.
• Experienced with fluorescence and confocal microscopy, imaging and analysis using imaging software.

The assessment of the applicants will be primarily based on their scientific merits and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on scientific ability in the subject area.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority, which means that you will receive special benefits, generous vacation and a favorable occupational pension.

Read more on the university's website about being employed with us Working with us

About the position

The position is a fixed-term position of two years, 100% with a start date of 2025-03-01 or as agreed. Employment at Lund University is conducted in Sweden, you are therefore expected to be able to perform your work on site Lund.

The employment is limited to a minimum of two years, maximum three years according to the collective agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral fellow (Arbetsgivarverket). An employment as a postdoctoral fellow is intended as an initial step in the career and as an opportunity to further deepen and broaden research competence.

How to apply

Apply for the position in the recruitment system. Application should include a letter of application describing your motivation and why you are suited for the position. The application should also include CV, list of publications and contact information to two references.

More about the medical faculty