Postdoctoral Position in Developmental Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research 

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team in a project focused on developmental neuroscience, differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into clinically significant neuronal subtypes, and preclinical research related to stem cell-based therapies. The position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of basic and translational research, contributing to advancements in regenerative medicine.  

The Johan Ericson lab at the Karolinska Institute studies the molecular mechanisms that govern cell fate specification, commitment, and neuronal differentiation during development. The group have made significant contributions to deciphering mechanistic principles involved in spatial and temporal control of neural fate specification, with a particular focus on the spinal cord and brainstem. The group have developed robust and effective methods to produce clinically relevant neuronal subtypes from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including dopaminergic neurons, serotonergic neurons and motor neurons. These efforts aim to deepen our understanding of the cell biology of these neuronal types in both healthy and pathological states and to develop regenerative cell therapies for Parkinson´s disease. By integrating advanced molecular biology, stem cell technology and regenerative cell therapies, the lab bridges the gap between scientific research and translational medicine.  

• Design and conduct experiments on hPSCs differentiation into specific neuronal cell types including mesencephalic dopamine neurons and serotonergic neurons.  
• Develop and optimize protocols for generating clinically relevant neuronal cells and defining the cell composition and functional properties of stem cell-derived cell products.  
• Investigate molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal development and differentiation.  
• Evaluate the efficacy of stem cell-derived neurons in preclinical animal models.  
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and contribute to high-impact publications.  

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctor, a PhD or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a Swedish PhD is required. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled at the latest at the time of the employment decision. Completion of your doctoral degree within the last three years is considered an advantage. If there are special reasons, your degree may have been completed earlier.

• Ph.D. with proven experience in developmental neurobiology and stem cell biology.  
• Established skills in human pluripotent cell cultures and neural differentiation protocols to neuronal cell identities.  
• Experience in high-throughput phenotypic assays and functional cellular assays, preferably neuron-based, along with proficiency in analytical biochemistry assays.  
• Broad hands-on experience in core molecular and cell biology techniques including DNA/RNA isolation, qPCR, magnetic cell separation, immunocytochemistry, and advanced image analysis.  
• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage complex projects with multiple tasks.  
• Proven track record of scientific productivity evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.  
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.  

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Several of the people you meet in healthcare are educated at KI. A close relationship with the health care providers is important for creating groundbreaking top quality education and research. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several benefits through our collective agreement.

Location: Stockholm

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Application

An employment application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

• PhD certificate
• A complete resumé, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
• A complete list of publications
• A summary of current work (no more than one page)

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.