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 programs and world-leading research in several scientific fields, and it is here that the groundbreaking discovery of the gene scissors CRISPR-Cas9 was made, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close by. Our cohesive campus makes it easy to meet, collaborate, and exchange knowledge, which fosters a dynamic and open culture.
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The Faculty of Medicine is one of the largest faculties at Umeå University and attracts many students with a comprehensive range of education in medicine, dentistry, health, and care. We offer a well-developed research infrastructure and an inspiring, dynamic environment with leading research. We view our close collaboration with the four regions in the Northern Healthcare Region as a major mutual asset for developing research and education and for securing the supply of future healthcare professionals.
Staff Scientist in Integrative Neurophysiology
The Department of Medical and Translational Biology at Umeå University announces a position as Staff Scientist in integrative neurophysiology focusing on the pathophysiology of corticostriatal circuits in Parkinson's disease. The position is in 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 employees and students. More information is available 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 dyskinesia, a significant clinical complication that limits treatment efficacy and worsens patients' quality of life. The project aims to develop and evaluate a novel gene therapy strategy that selectively dampens the pathological neuronal activity associated with dyskinesia while preserving normal brain function.
The project is based on new advances in activity-dependent gene therapy, where overactive neurons are targeted through expression of a modified potassium channel that reduces neuronal excitability only in cells exhibiting abnormally high activity. Using well-established mouse models for Parkinson's disease and levodopa-induced dyskinesia, the successful candidate will investigate the treatment's effects, long-term outcomes, 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 and combines basic science research with a strong translational focus. The work has the potential to contribute to the development of a new precision medicine treatment strategy for dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease and may pave the way for future clinical application of activity-dependent gene therapies.
Qualifications
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with substantial experience in experimental in vivo neurophysiology.
The applicant is expected to meet the following requirements:
Have a doctoral degree in neuroscience or another field closely related to the current project.
Possess experience in experimental in vivo neurophysiology. Applicants with documented experience of such work through published articles will be prioritized.
Have documented competence in stereotactic surgery, behavioral testing, and analysis of behavioral and neurophysiological data.
Previous experience in one or more of the following areas is additionally considered as a particular asset:
Design, manufacture, and chronic implantation of multi-electrode arrays in mouse models of Parkinson's disease. Recording of neuronal activity in corticostriatal 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 dyskinesia (AIMs, Abnormal Involuntary Movements) in mouse models of Parkinson's disease. Training and implementation of 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, with start in October 2026, or as otherwise agreed. Your application may be written in either English (preferred) or Swedish. The application deadline is July 31.
The application should include:
A brief cover letter (approximately one page) describing the applicant's research experience, research interests, and suitability for the project.
A curriculum vitae including education, positions, publication list, and names and contact information for two references.
Information
Umeå University wants to offer an equitable and fair environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives forms the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for this position.
To staffing and recruitment companies and to you as a salesperson: We kindly but firmly decline direct contact from staffing and recruitment companies and sellers of additional job advertisements.
Open to All
We focus on your competence, not your other circumstances. We are open to adapting the role or workplace to your needs.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 programs and world-leading research in several scientific fields, and it is here that the groundbreaking discovery of the gene scissors CRISPR-Cas9 was made, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close by. Our cohesive campus makes it easy to meet, collaborate, and exchange knowledge, which fosters a dynamic and open culture.
The societal transformation…
Přehled
Typ
job
Stav
active
Viditelnost
public
Město
Umeå
Adresa
Umeå universitet
GPS
63.7970413, 20.2816791
Email
Telefon
Publikováno
25. 6. 2026
Upraveno
30. 7. 2026
Parametry
Kraj
Västerbottens län
Duration
6 månader eller längre
Zaměstnavatel
UMEÅ UNIVERSITET
Postcode
90187
Počet míst
1
Profese
Forskare, mikrobiologi
Salary Type
Fast månads- vecko- eller timlön
Scope Of Work
100–100 %
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