Researcher in Cellular Mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease

The Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences is a department within the Faculty of Medicine at Uppsala University.

Currently, there are about 200 employees at the department, and an additional 150 researchers are affiliated with it. The activities consist of 10 research groups, and education is conducted at all levels.

The Molecular Geriatrics research group at the Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences operates at the Rudbeck Laboratory. The research is primarily focused on cellular and molecular mechanisms central to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and is conducted in collaboration with other university groups both internationally and within Sweden.

For many years, the research has focused on changes occurring in neurons in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, but increasing attention is now directed towards the brain's various support cells. Astrocytes are the most common type of support cell and have a significant impact on brain health. Our results show that astrocytes are involved in disease progression and spread pathological protein aggregates to neighboring cells through various mechanisms. For example, astrocytes contact their neighbors with thin thread-like extensions (nanotubes) and release vesicles containing partially degraded material that damages surrounding neurons. The overarching goal of the project is to understand how astrocytes contribute to the spread of pathology in Alzheimer's disease and thereby identify future treatment strategies.

Job Responsibilities

We are looking for a qualified and motivated researcher who will investigate new astrocyte-mediated spreading mechanisms, characterize how pathological deposits in astrocytes are affected by copper, and generate antibodies that recognize astrocyte-modified amyloid-beta. The work will primarily focus on studies of pathological protein aggregates in hiPSC-derived cell systems and mouse models, but will also include analyses of human material from patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Qualifications

For the current position, solid experience in cell culture and molecular techniques is required. The applicant must have:

• A PhD in neurobiology, cell biology, or molecular biology.
• Completed postdoctoral training in the area of cellular mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease.
• Good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.
• At least two published first-author articles in well-known scientific journals in the field.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as excellent collaboration skills, good initiative, and high independence to drive the project forward. Experience in the following techniques is a requirement:

Cell Culture:

• Culture and differentiation of human iPSC-derived cells
• Culture of primary neurons
• Culture of organoids
• Culture of hippocampal slice cultures
• Cell models for Alzheimer's disease

Immunostaining

• Immunohistochemistry/immunocytochemistry
• Confocal microscopy

Protein Analysis:

• ELISA
• Western blot
• Mass spectrometry
• HPLC
• Antibody development
• Studies of Cu-Aβ interactions
• Real-time quaking-induced conversion

Cloning, Transfection, and Genotyping

• Transfection
• Transformation
• Genotyping/PCR
• Plasmid purification

Behavioral Studies:

• Novel Object Recognition (NOR)
• Actimetry
• Attentional set-shifting test

Desirable/Additional Qualifications

Experience in the following techniques is desirable:

• Electrophysiology
• Multielectrode array (MEA)
• Real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC)
• SIMOA
• Solid phase peptide synthesis
• UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy

About the Position

The position is temporary, lasting 12 months. The extent is full-time, 100%. Start date is 2026-02-02 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Anna Erlandsson, tel; 018-4715060, email: [email protected]

Welcome with your application by December 8, 2025, UFV-PA 2025/3491

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University here (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/).

The position may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved during the security clearance.

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Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

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