Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuroprotective Treatment for Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

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The Department of Clinical Sciences is one of six departments at the Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University. The department conducts research and education that focuses on human health and quality of life. We represent 16 different subject areas and are divided into four sections.

The Department of Clinical Sciences is now seeking a postdoctoral researcher, based at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. The Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics conducts research on reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes. Many of the research group leaders have a translational approach with laboratory research linked to clinical research. The research for this position is conducted at the Neurophysiology laboratory at the Sahlgrenska Academy.

The position is linked to a research project led by Lina Bergman. The research group focuses on preeclampsia and its complications for mothers and children in the short and long term. There is a particular research interest in cerebral complications in mothers. The research includes biobanks and databases in Sweden and South Africa, epidemiological studies, randomized controlled trials of drugs against preeclampsia, in vitro studies of blood-brain barrier damage, as well as immunological reactivity in the brain and an animal model of preeclampsia. The position will be located at the Neurophysiology laboratory at the Sahlgrenska Academy where Lina Bergman's group conducts preclinical research.

Lina Bergman's research group is also part of the Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine (https://www.gu.se/en/molecular-translational-medicine (https://www.gu.se/en/molecular-translational-medicine)), which provides excellent opportunities for career development and networking.

Subject

Neuroprotective treatment for preeclampsia and eclampsia with a focus on postpartum effects

Subject Description

The research aims to better understand the mechanisms underlying preeclampsia and eclampsia, neurological complications of the disease, and to investigate potential neuroprotective treatments for preeclampsia and eclampsia with a focus on follow-up after pregnancy. The research will be conducted using animal models (rats and mice), primarily the so-called RUPP model, where blood flow is reduced to the uterus, thereby inducing a clinical picture resembling preeclampsia with hypertension and organ involvement. The model is also being developed to reflect seizures, eclampsia, and evaluation of brain injuries postpartum. The goal of the model is to treat with old and new drugs with presumed neuroprotective effects and evaluate the effect by assessing the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, the degree of neuroinflammation, and vascular reactivity. We also plan to investigate memory ability in animals after treatment as a proxy for long-term outcomes.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities include performing animal surgery as described above, handling animals before and after surgery, and collecting biological samples after completed experiments. Furthermore, the position involves participating in the evaluation of outcomes as described above with the techniques available at the laboratory. The responsibilities also include assisting in supervising PhD students at the laboratory and students present at the laboratory. Specifically for this postdoc position, it includes developing evaluations of effects on the brain after delivery where memory, executive functions, and brain injury are assessed at different time points in animal models. Finally, the responsibilities include compiling results and contributing to the writing of publications.

Eligibility

Eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher is someone who has obtained a doctoral degree, artistic doctoral degree, or has a foreign degree that is assessed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time the employment decision is made.

In the first instance, the one who has obtained a degree no more than three years before the application deadline should be considered. Even those who have obtained a degree earlier should be considered in the first instance if there are special reasons. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, trust assignments within trade unions, service in total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments for the subject area.

Assessment Criteria

The applicant must have a doctoral degree in a subject relevant to the position. For the position, documented experience in animal handling and an approved course in animal handling in research, as well as previous experience in practical laboratory work, are required. Excellent knowledge of English, both written and verbal, is necessary. Knowledge of Swedish is an advantage.

Experience with RUPP surgery, blood flow studies, in vivo experimentation, and experience with memory and executive function tests in rat models are also advantageous. Knowledge of neuroanatomy and/or neurophysiology is also meritorious for the position.

The applicant is expected to plan, execute, and analyze experiments independently and actively contribute scientifically to the group. Consideration will be given to personal drive, organizational ability, accuracy, and independence. We place great emphasis on personal suitability.

For more information and to apply for the position, see the full advertisement at https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-anstallningar (https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-anstallningar)

The university actively works for a work environment with equal conditions and values the qualities that diversity brings to the organization.

The university applies individual salary setting.

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