Postdoctoral Researcher in Neuroscience at the University of Gothenburg

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At the Department of Neuroscience and Physiology at Sahlgrenska Academy, extensive research and teaching are conducted across large knowledge areas from molecule to human. The operations consist of five sections: pharmacology, physiology, health and rehabilitation, clinical neuroscience, and psychiatry and neurochemistry.

The Department of Neuroscience and Physiology is now seeking a postdoctoral researcher, placed at the Section of Physiology.

Subject

Neuroscience/Neuroendocrinology

Subject Description

Our research aims to understand how long-acting GLP-1R agonists engage neuronal populations to cause reduced food intake and weight loss. We use in vivo studies in transgenic mice where we can selectively manipulate populations of neurons that respond to GLP-1R agonists using chemogenetics, optogenetics, and ablations. In addition to food intake and body weight, we can study the mice's energy expenditure and substrate utilization. We combine these in vivo studies with modern histology, both at the protein level and RNA level. The results of our research may contribute to identifying new targets for a more targeted treatment of obesity, with fewer side effects. Our research will also contribute to an expanded understanding of how the brain controls our energy balance.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will be an important part of our research group and is expected to actively and independently drive a specific research project, with support from supervisors and other group members. The work includes planning, organizing, and conducting in vivo experiments in transgenic mice. The work includes stereotactic surgery, AAV vectors, in vivo chemo- and optogenetics, metabolic phenotyping, food intake recordings, and behavioral studies focusing on aversion and food intake preferences. Furthermore, the postdoctoral researcher is expected to work with in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to actively participate in group meetings, be responsible for documentation related to their own project, participate in writing scientific articles, and assist in mentoring students/PhD candidates.

Eligibility

Eligibility for employment as a teacher is regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 4 and the University of Gothenburg's employment regulations.

Eligible for appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is one 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 person who has obtained a degree no more than three years before the application deadline should be considered. Even those who 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 the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments for the subject area.

Eligible for appointment as a postdoctoral researcher for this position is one who holds a doctoral degree in a relevant subject area, i.e., neuroscience/biology/metabolism, with a focus on food intake regulation.

Assessment Criteria

The applicant must have solid experience in animal experimental work (mouse) including documented experience of stereotactic injections, chemo- and optogenetics, and behavioral studies related to aversive behaviors/food intake. Practical experience with histological techniques, especially multiplex in situ hybridization and confocal microscopy, is also meritorious.

Other important qualifications include excellent oral and written skills in English and at least one publication as the first author in scientific journals. We value an applicant who appreciates collaboration and open communication and who is organized and efficient. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Employment

The position is a fixed-term employment for 2 years, 100% full-time, with placement at the Department of Neuroscience and Physiology. Start date: as soon as possible or by agreement.

Contact Information for the Position

If you have questions about the position, you are welcome to contact researcher Linda Engström Ruud, phone: +46 766 183 513, email: [email protected].

The responsible manager is Professor/Deputy Section Head Suzanne L Dickson, phone: +46 703 693 568, email: [email protected].

Application documents should not be sent to the contact persons.

Trade Unions

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

Application

You apply for the position via the University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal by registering your application electronically via the website: Recruitment Portal (https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-anstallningar)

You as the applicant are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it is received by the university no later than the last application date.

Proof of doctoral degree should be attached with the application.

The application must be submitted by: 2026-02-18.

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

The university applies individual salary setting.

According to the National Archives' regulations, the university is obliged to store application documents for two years after the appointment decision. If you as an applicant specifically request to have your documents returned, they will be sent back after the two years have elapsed; otherwise, they will be disposed of.

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