Umeå University, Medicinska fakulteten

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

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The Faculty of Medicine, which consists of 13 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.

Project description:

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our Group for Integrative Neurophysiology at the Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Sweden.

In our research, we aim to understand how different parts of the central nervous system interact to generate purposeful behaviors. In particular, we study how the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia interact in order to control motor actions, both under normal conditions and in individuals afflicted by Parkinson’s disease. In our previous work we have studied motor control functions, ranging from relatively simple circuits in the spinal cord [1] to elaborate networks like the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic loop in healthy brains and in models of Parkinson’s disease [2–6]. To this end we have developed unique technologies that allow us to analyze neuronal activity from 10-20 brain structures in parallel in freely behaving animals [7].

The announced position has a focus on electrophysiological recording in rodent models of Parkinson’s disease applying large-scale neuronal recordings and optogenetic techniques, in parallel with automated tracking of motor behavior. A specific aim of the project will be to clarify the functional significance of high-frequency oscillations in levodopa-induced dyskinesia [8].

The applicant is expected to be able to work both independently and as a part of the research team.

Qualifications:

Eligible to apply are individuals with a PhD or equivalent scientific skills. Priority will be given to applicants who graduated within three years before the application deadline.

The position has a significant experimental component; previous experience of in vivo neuronal recordings will therefore be considered a particularly strong merit.

Extra merits:

An ideal candidate would have

  • a relatively recently completed PhD degree of relevance for the project
  • a strong experimental background in in vivo neurophysiology
  • a good understanding of the various signal analyses approaches used within the field
  • a track record of high-quality publication in peer-reviewed journals

PMIDs:

  • 12840761
  • 19299613
  • 25447740
  • 23175810
  • 22306061
  • 26740532
  • 25569979
  • 30594935

Application for the position should include:

  1. A brief cover letter (about one page) that describes the applicant’s research experience, research interests, and suitability for the project.
  1. Curriculum vitae including information about academic degrees (with verifications), technical expertise, employments, list of publications, and names and contact information for two references.

The position is for two years, with salary according to standard levels.

Start date: negotiable (May – Sep 2019).

For more information, contact Associate Professor Per Petersson, e-mail: Per.Petersson@umu.se Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment Negotiable (May – Sep 2019).
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-313-19
Contact
  • Universitetslektor Per Petersson, epost: per.petersson@umu.se
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 22.Feb.2019
Last application date 14.Apr.2019 11:59 PM CEST

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