Staff Scientist in Integrative Neurophysiology

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The Faculty of Medicine which consists of 12 departments is responsible for biomedical research and courses in the field of nursing and health care and has an extensive research and graduate education in more than 80 subjects.

Staff Scientist in Integrative Neurophysiology

The Department of Medical and Translational Biology at Umeå University announces a position as Staff Scientist in Integrative Neurophysiology with a focus on the pathophysiology of corticostriatal circuits in Parkinsons disease. The position is based in the research group of Per Petersson at the Department of Medical and Translational Biology (MTB). MTB offers an active and creative research and educational environment for both employees and students. More information about the department can be found on our website: Department of Medical translational biology ().

Description of the project

Levodopa remains the most effective treatment for Parkinsons disease but long-term therapy frequently leads to levodopa-induced dyskinesias a major clinical complication that limits treatment efficacy and significantly impairs patients quality of life. The aim of this project is to develop and evaluate a novel gene therapy strategy that selectively suppresses the pathological neuronal activity associated with dyskinesias while preserving normal brain function.

The project builds on recent advances in activity-dependent gene therapy in which hyperactive neurons are targeted through expression of a modified potassium channel that reduces neuronal excitability only in cells exhibiting abnormally high levels of activity. Using well-established mouse models of Parkinsons disease and levodopa-induced dyskinesias the successful candidate will investigate the therapeutic efficacy long-term effects and underlying mechanisms of this approach through a combination of behavioral neuroscience viral vector-mediated gene delivery electrophysiology movement analysis and molecular methods.

The project is conducted in close collaboration between research groups at Lund University and Umeå University and combines fundamental neuroscience with a strong translational focus. The work has the potential to contribute to the development of a novel precision medicine strategy for the treatment of dyskinesias in Parkinsons disease and may pave the way for future clinical applications of activity-dependent gene therapies.

The applicant should be able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

Qualifications

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with substantial experience in experimental in vivo neurophysiology.

The applicant is required to:

• Hold a PhD degree in Neuroscience or another field closely related to the current project.
• Have experience in experimental in vivo neurophysiology. Applicants who can document such experience through peer-reviewed publications will be given priority.
• Have documented expertise in stereotaxic surgery behavioral testing and the analysis of behavioral and neurophysiological data.

Previous experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered a strong merit:

• Design fabrication and chronic implantation of multielectrode arrays in mouse models of Parkinsons disease.
• Recording neuronal activity in corticostriatal networks in freely moving mouse models of Parkinsons disease.
• Behavioral manipulations using Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) in mouse models of Parkinsons disease.
• Viral vector-mediated transduction in mouse models of Parkinsons disease.
• Induction of 6-OHDA lesions in mice.
• Administration of L-DOPA and experience with the assessment and scoring of dyskinesias (AIMs; Abnormal Involuntary Movements) in mouse models of Parkinsons disease.
• Training and implementation of decision-making behavioral paradigms in mice.
• Miniscope implantation in mouse models of Parkinsons disease.

Emphasis will also be placed on the applicants suitability for the current project and ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment.

Application and conditions

The employment is valid for 12 months starting October 2026 or as otherwise agreed.

Your application may be written in English (preferred) or Swedish. The application deadline is July 31.

The application should include:

• A brief cover letter (approximately one page) describing the applicants research experience research interests and suitability for the project.
• A curriculum vitae including degrees positions held publication list and the names and contact information of two references.

Information

For further information please contact Per PeterssonDepartment of Medical and Translational Biology Umeå University SE-901 87 Umeå Sweden Email:

Umeå University strives to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.

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