Researcher in Cellular Mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease
The Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences is a department within the Faculty of Medicine at Uppsala University.
Currently, the department has approximately 200 employees, with an additional 150 researchers affiliated. The activities consist of 10 research groups, and education is conducted at all levels.
The Molecular Geriatrics research group at the Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences operates at the Rudbeck Laboratory. The research primarily focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms that are central to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and is conducted in collaboration with other university groups both internationally and within Sweden.
For many years, the research has concentrated on the changes occurring in nerve cells in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, but increasing attention is now being directed towards the various support cells in the brain. Astrocytes are the most common type of support cell and have a significant impact on brain health. Our results indicate that astrocytes are involved in disease progression and spread pathological protein aggregates to neighboring cells through various mechanisms. For example, astrocytes contact their neighbors with thin, thread-like extensions (nanotubes) and release vesicles containing partially degraded material that harm surrounding nerve cells. The overarching goal of the project is to understand how astrocytes contribute to the spread of pathology in Alzheimer's disease and thereby identify future treatment strategies.
Job Responsibilities
We are seeking a qualified and motivated researcher who will investigate new astrocyte-mediated spreading mechanisms, characterize how pathological deposits in astrocytes are affected by copper, and generate antibodies that recognize astrocyte-modified amyloid-beta. The work will primarily focus on studies of pathological protein aggregates in hiPSC-derived cell systems and mouse models, but will also include analyses of human material from patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Qualifications
For this position, solid experience in cell culture and molecular techniques is required. The applicant should have:
- A PhD in neurobiology, cell biology, or molecular biology.
- Completed postdoctoral training in the area of cellular mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease.
- Proficient knowledge of English, both spoken and written.
- At least two published first-author articles in well-known scientific journals in the field.
Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as excellent collaboration skills, good initiative, and high independence to drive the project forward. Experience with the following techniques is a requirement:
Cell Culture:
- Culturing and differentiating human iPSC-derived cells
- Culturing primary neurons
- Culturing organoids
- Culturing hippocampal slice cultures
- Cell models for Alzheimer's disease
Immunostaining:
- Immunohistochemistry/immunocytochemistry
- Confocal microscopy
Protein Analysis:
- ELISA
- Western blot
- Mass spectrometry
- HPLC
- Antibody development
- Studies of Cu-Aβ interactions
- Real-time quaking-induced conversion
Cloning, Transfection, and Genotyping:
- Transfection
- Transformation
- Genotyping/PCR
- Plasmid purification
Behavioral Studies:
- Novel Object Recognition (NOR)
- Actimetry
- Attentional set-shifting test
Desirable/Additional Qualifications
Experience with the following techniques is desirable:
- Electrophysiology
- Multielectrode array (MEA)
- Real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC)
- SIMOA
- Solid phase peptide synthesis
- UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy
About the Employment
The position is temporary, lasting 12 months. The scope is full-time, 100%. Start date is February 2, 2026, or by agreement. Location: Uppsala
For inquiries about the position, please contact: Anna Erlandsson, tel: +46 18-4715060, email:
[email protected]
We welcome your application by December 8, 2025, UFV-PA 2025/3491
Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.
Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University
https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/
The employment may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved during the security review.
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