Postdoctoral fellow in Cell biology / molecular 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 scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future. 

At the Department of Laboratory Medicine, at the Institute of Biomedicine, the research is aimed towards a better understanding of the underlying cell biology of disease to improve diagnostics and treatments.

Fredrik Sterky’s research group studies fundamental aspects of normal brain development and how certain rare genetic conditions may affect the development and function of the central nervous system and cause disease. The research group is also linked to the Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine (WCMTM) at the University of Gothenburg (https://www.gu.se/en/research/fredrik-sterky).

Subject area 
Cell biology / molecular neuroscience

 

Subject area description 
Synapses constitute the fundamental units of neural circuits and their continuous formation throughout life contributes to learning and memory. How synapses form is incompletely understood and even less is known about what distinguishes stable synapses from those that undergo disassembly.

We are interested in understanding – at a molecular level – how neurons form synaptic connections, more specifically how the interaction between cell adhesion receptors on the contacting neurons, and their downstream effectors, contribute to the assembly of pre- and post-synaptic specializations. To this aim, we utilize experimental genetics in human and mouse systems combined with protein biochemistry, proteomics, imaging, functional assays etc.

 

Duties 
The project serves to identify post-translational changes that contribute to synapse assembly and stability. We have established an in vitro model system, utilizing human neurons in which synapse formation is blocked. We will now utilize this model system to identify (phospho)-proteomic changes that contribute to synapse formation, and subsequently investigate their functional impact by functional studies.

 
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.  

 

 

Assessment criteria 
We invite applications from enthusiastic and motivated individuals with a PhD in a relevant field. Applicants preferably have a strong background in molecular biology or molecular neuroscience. Experience in experimental techniques relevant for the project (ES/iPS cell culture and/or proteomics) is advantageous but not an absolute requirement.

Capacity for analytical thinking and problem solving as well as good documentation skills and proficiency in both spoken and written English are required. The candidate(s) should be willing to work in a team to pursue his/her research. Personal suitability is of great importance when evaluating applicants.

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

 

Employment 
The employment is full time and temporary, two years with the possibility of one year's extension, with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed.

 

Selection process 
Help for applicants

 

Contact information 
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Fredrik Sterky, Assistant Professor, +46-709-916886, or Fredrik.sterky@gu.se

 

Unions 
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande 

 

 

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.  

The application should contain:

- A cover letter giving a brief description of previous research experience, and a motivation to why you are applying (maximum one page)

- A CV including a list of publications (maximum two pages)

- Proof of completed PhD

- Contact details of two references

Applications must be received by: 2023-01-29

 

  

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.