Researcher

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

At the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, at the Sahlgrenska Academy, we conduct research and education covering a wide range of knowledge areas. The institute comprises five different departments: Clinical Neuroscience, Health and Rehabilitation, Pharmacology, Physiology and Psychiatry and Neurochemistry.

The Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology invites applications for a researcher employment for measuring pancreatic islet hormones combined with optogenetics at the Department of Physiology.

Duties

We are looking for a motivated researcher to carry out studies within the field of regulatory mechanisms of hormone release from pancreatic islets. The focus of the project will be on how electrical activity and paracrine signaling of islet cells affect hormone secretion. Transgenic mice expressing optogenetic tools will be used for this purpose.

The research aims to:

1. Investigate hormone secretion from non β-cells in intact islets of Langerhans from mouse and human pancreas.
2. Investigate the paracrine and electrical crosstalk between the different cell types of the islet of Langerhans using optogenetic tools.
3. Develop existing and new methods for using optogenetic tools in combination with measurements of hormone secretion from islets of Langerhans
4. Develop, characterize and uphold transgenic mouse colonies.

Techniques that will be used within the project and which the applicant is assumed to have experience with includes:

• Isolation of islets of Langerhans from mouse
• Secreted hormone (insulin, glucagon and somatostatin) measurements in combination with light activation of optogenetic tools using custom equipment
• Two-photon and confocal fluorescence microscopy of live and fixed tissue and cell culture

Because optogenetic activation of intact islets is a new method without commercial solutions, it is necessary that the applicant has experience in adapting custom built setups and to bring about new developments to this method to make it relevant for the specified research aims.

The candidate is also expected to supervise undergraduate students.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must hold a PhD degree in a relevant area. Previous experience of 'experimental' studies of pancreatic islets, especially hormone secretion measurements, as well as using two-photon and confocal fluorescence microscopy in combination with optogenetics is essential. Applicants with experience in molecular biology methods such as antibody staining and ELISA as well as developing tools for measuring hormone secretion under opto-stimulation will be given priority.

The applicant should have a good publication record in international journals and/or documented his/her qualifications related to the job assignments in other ways.

We are seeking a person with ability to work independently within agreed frames and with good organizational skills. A good command of spoken and written English is expected. Great importance will be attached to personal suitability.

Employment

The employment is limited (temporary) for 11 months, 100% of full-time, and is placed at the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology. Starting date: as soon as possible or as agreed. 

Contact information for the post

If you have questions regarding the employment please contact professor Patrik Rorsman, phone: +46 31 786 68 07, e-mail: patrik.rorsman@gu.se.

Manager in charge is Senior Lecturer/Section manager Lars-Gunnar Pettersson, phone: +46 31 786 35 07, e-mail: lars-gunnar.pettersson@gu.se.

Application documents are not to be submitted through the contact persons.

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

Application

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. 

Please enclose PhD certificate with the application.

Applications must be received by: 2024-12-05.

 

Information for International Applicants 

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: 

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services 
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.