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Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest higher education institutions, with over 41,500 students and approximately 4,600 employees. The university offers a diverse range of high-quality education and world-leading research across several scientific fields, and it was here that the groundbreaking discovery of the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 was made, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, collaborate, and exchange knowledge, fostering a dynamic and open culture.

The societal transformation and major green investments we see in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, this means conducting research on – and within – a society in transition. It also means delivering education for regions that need to expand rapidly and sustainably. Simply put, this is where the future is being created.

Interested in learning more? Read more about Umeå University as an employer.

The Faculty of Medicine is one of the largest faculties at Umeå University and attracts many students with a comprehensive range of programs in 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 significant mutual asset for developing research and education and securing the supply of future healthcare personnel.

Staff Scientist in Integrative Neurophysiology

The Department of Medical and Translational Biology at Umeå University is advertising a position as Staff Scientist in integrative neurophysiology, focusing on the pathophysiology of corticostriatal circuits in Parkinson's disease. The position is within Per Petersson's research group at the Department of Medical and Translational Biology (MTB). MTB offers an active and creative research and educational environment for both staff and students. More information can be found on our website: Department of Medical and Translational Biology (umu.se).

Project Description

Levodopa remains the most effective treatment for Parkinson's disease, but long-term treatment often leads to levodopa-induced dyskinesias, a significant clinical complication that limits the effectiveness of treatment and reduces patients' quality of life. The project's goal is to develop and evaluate a new gene therapy strategy that selectively dampens the pathological nerve cell activity associated with dyskinesias, while preserving normal brain function.

The project builds on new advances in activity-dependent gene therapy, where overactive nerve cells are targeted through the expression of a modified potassium channel that reduces neuronal excitability only in cells exhibiting abnormally high activity. Using well-established mouse models of Parkinson's disease and levodopa-induced dyskinesias, the successful candidate will investigate the treatment's effect, long-term effects, and underlying mechanisms through a combination of behavioral neuroscience, viral vector-based gene transfer, electrophysiology, movement analysis, and molecular methods.

The project is conducted in close collaboration between research groups at Lund University and Umeå University, combining basic scientific research with a strong translational focus. The work has the potential to contribute to the development of a new precision medicine treatment strategy for dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease and may pave the way for future clinical application of activity-dependent gene therapies.

Qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with significant experience in experimental in vivo neurophysiology.

The applicant is expected to meet the following requirements:

• Hold a PhD in neuroscience or another closely related field to the current project.
• Have experience in experimental in vivo neurophysiology. Applicants with documented experience through published articles will be prioritized.
• Have documented competence in stereotactic surgery, behavioral tests, and the analysis of behavioral and neurophysiological data.

Previous experience in one or more of the following areas is also considered an extra advantage:

Construction, manufacturing, and chronic implantation of multielectrodes in mouse models of Parkinson's disease. Recording of neuronal activity in cortico-striatal networks in freely moving mouse models of Parkinson's disease. Behavioral manipulations using Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) in mouse models of Parkinson's disease. Transduction with viral vectors in mouse models of Parkinson's disease. Induction of 6-OHDA lesions in mice. Administration of L-DOPA and experience in assessing and scoring dyskinesias (AIMs, Abnormal Involuntary Movements) in mouse models of Parkinson's disease. Training and conducting behavioral experiments for decision-making in mice. Implantation of miniscopes in mouse models of Parkinson's disease.

Special emphasis will also be placed on the applicant's suitability for the current project and ability to collaborate.

Application and Terms

The employment is for 12 months, starting in October 2026, or according to another agreed arrangement. Your application can be written in either English (preferred) or Swedish. The application deadline is July 31.

The application should include:

• A short cover letter (approximately one page) describing the applicant's research experience, research interest, and suitability for the project.
• A curriculum vitae including education, positions, publication list, and the names and contact information for two references.

Information

Umeå University aims to offer an equal and equitable environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lays the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current position.

To staffing and recruitment agencies and to you who are sales representatives: We kindly but firmly decline direct contact with staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sellers of additional job advertisements.

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