Vacant job

The Department of Clinical Sciences / Neuroscience is a successful research environment with clinical research as well as a translational focus within pathology and clinical genetics. The department belongs to the Faculty of Medicine at Umeå University and is one of the largest faculties at Umeå University, attracting many students with a comprehensive range of education in the fields of medicine, dentistry, health, and care. We offer a well-developed research infrastructure and an inspiring, dynamic environment with leading research. Our close collaboration with the four regions in the Northern Healthcare Region is seen as a great mutual asset for developing research and education and securing the supply of future healthcare personnel.

We are now looking for a motivated and scientifically driven postdoctoral researcher in neurology to study the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as well as other neurodegenerative diseases. The position aims at further scientific merit after a doctoral degree and is fixed-term for two years full-time, with possible extension.

You will work in a group conducting research on the disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and specifically the protein superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). The ALS research group consists of approximately 30 people who collaborate across departmental boundaries within the Translational Research Center (TRC), Umeå University, as well as the departments of Neurology, Pathology, Clinical Chemistry, and Clinical Genetics, within the Norrlands University Hospital (NUS). Within the group, there are currently several BAs and research engineers working across clinical and departmental boundaries. Our research spans from patients, transgenic animal models, cell models, down to molecular aspects of various disease mechanisms for ALS.

The postdoctoral researcher's main task is to engage in research, which includes participation in research projects, supervision of students, participation in seminars and journal clubs, writing scientific articles, and presenting new findings at international meetings.

Project Description

Since 1993, interdisciplinary research on the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been conducted in Umeå at a high international level, with a primary focus on the enzyme superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) role in the disease process. Previous research from the group has shown that neurotoxic effects of SOD1 can be a common denominator in the majority of the described different types of ALS. We have found that SOD1 inclusions are present in almost all forms of ALS and that SOD1 protein aggregates occurring in the CNS can drive further template-directed SOD1 aggregation in a prion-like manner, thereby causing ALS. We have developed methods to measure protein content and enzymatic activity of SOD1 in cerebrospinal fluid. This project aims to investigate the effect of misfolded proteins on disease progression and spread in ALS to find targets for treatment of the disease and to test their role as specific biomarkers for ALS. Analysis of other biomarkers relevant to ALS or closely related neurodegenerative diseases may be included in the duties.

A description of the ALS group at Umeå University can be found at:

https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/als-research3/ (https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/als-research3/)

Duties

The position includes independent research for at least 80% of working time in accordance with the project description above. Teaching and supervision at undergraduate and advanced levels, and possibly doctoral level, may be included for up to 20% of working time.

Qualifications

Eligible for appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is one who has completed a doctoral degree, or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a doctoral degree in medical science or a corresponding subject. This qualification requirement must be met no later than at the time the employment decision is made. The applicant should have a background in biomedical experimental science with interest and experience in diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

The position requires good knowledge of English in both speech and writing. Good knowledge of the German language is meritorious as we have close collaboration with groups at Ulm University and Charité in Berlin. Furthermore, the ability to work independently as well as in a team is a requirement. Applicants must also have conducted research using highly sensitive immunochemical methods for the detection of biomarkers in complex samples.

Meritorious

Since employment as a postdoctoral researcher constitutes a merit-earning position for junior researchers, we primarily target those who have a doctoral degree no older than three years calculated from the last application date. If there are special reasons, it may be considered if the doctoral degree was obtained earlier. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical service, trust positions within trade unions or other similar circumstances, as well as service/assignment relevant to the subject area.

Previous studies of neurodegenerative diseases are meritorious. Especially experience with measurements of enzymatic activity and protein content focusing on superoxide dismutase-1 is strongly meritorious for the current position. Knowledge and experience with methods such as immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, or quantitative PCR on CNS tissue is also meritorious. Having conducted method development or optimized a method is meritorious. We place great emphasis on personal suitability.

More about the position

The position is a fixed-term full-time employment for two years, with possible extension according to the terms of the agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher from February 1, 2022.

Application

The application should include:

• A short description of research interests and motivation for why you are interested in the position.
• CV (max 2 pages).
• Publication list.
• Degree certificate from doctoral education as well as other relevant degrees.
• Contact information for two reference persons.

The application should be written in Swedish or English. The application should be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and be received no later than June 15, 2026.

For further information, contact:

Karin Forsberg, email: [email protected], phone 090-785 51019, 070-2131904

Welcome with your application!

Open to all. We focus on your competence, not your other prerequisites. We are open to adapting the role or workplace to your needs.