Postdoctor in Neuroscience

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 postdoctoral position at the Department of Physiology.

The postdoctoral researcher will take part of a preclinical research project with the overarching aim to determine how long-acting GLP-1R agonists work in the brain to cause body weight loss. The project was initiated in 2021.

Subject area

Neuroscience

Subject area description

Our research aims to understand how long-acting GLP-1R agonists engage neuronal populations in the brain to cause reduced feeding and loss of body weight. We utilize in vivo studies in transgenic mouse models that allow us to specifically manipulate neurons that are responsive to GLP-1R agonists using chemo- and optogenetics and ablations. In addition to food intake and body weight recordings, we can study the energy expenditure and peripheral substrate utilization in our mice. We combine these in vivo studies with modern histology, detecting both protein and RNA in brain tissue. The outcome of our research can help identify potential neuronal targets for more directed future anti-obesity treatments with fewer side effects. It will also add to our existing knowledge of how the brain controls our energy balance.

Job assignments

The postdoctor will be an important part of our research group and is expected to actively and independently run the specific research project, with support from the PI and other group members. The work entails planning, organization and execution of in vivo experiments in transgenic mice. This work includes stereotactic surgeries, chemo- and optogenetics (including fiberphotometry), metabolic phenotyping, food intake recordings and behavioural studies with focus on aversive read-outs and food preferences. The postdoctor is also expected to work with in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, the postdoc is expected to actively participate in group meetings, to properly document their work, participate in writing of scientific articles and to be a positive mentor to students/PhD students in the lab.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.  

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made. 

In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.  

To qualify as a postdoctoral researcher for this employment, the applicant shall hold a PhD in a relevant subject area, i.e. neuroscience/biological sciences/metabolism, directed towards studies of food intake regulation.

Assessment

The applicant should have solid experience with experimental research in mice, where documented experience of e.g. stereotactic injections, chemo- and optogenetics and behavioral studies in relation to aversive behaviors/feeding is a strong advantage. Practical experience with histological techniques and confocal imaging is also considered an advantage.

Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is a requirement. The applicant should have first-authored peer-reviewed papers. We value someone that enjoys teamwork and open communication, and that is able to organize their work in an efficient way. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Employment

The employment is limited (temporary) for 2 years, 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 

If you have questions regarding the employment please contact researcher Linda Engström Ruud, phone: +46 766 183 513, e-mail: linda.engstrom.ruud@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

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: 2024-12-16. 

 

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.