Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för neurovetenskap

To understand how our nervous system functions and the mechanisms underlying its disorders is an outstanding challenge for biomedical research. At the Department of Neuroscience, we are working hard to increase our knowledge and insights into this area as well as into large areas of our musculoskeletal system and its disorders. A major objective with our research is to develop novel strategies to prevent and treat diseases and injuries in the nervous system and musculoskeletal system. By participating in different educational programs and courses, scientists at the Department communicate their knowledge to a wide range of future professional specialists – for example nurses, physicians, physiotherapists, speech pathologists and biomedical researchers.

We are about 150 employees, 100 graduate students and numerous young postdoctoral fellows. Moreover, a large number of professionals carry out research and teaching at Uppsala University Hospital (Akademiska sjukhuset) within the framework of the Department’s activity. Basic research is predominantly carried out the Uppsala University Biomedical Center (BMC) and clinical research at various units in Akademiska sjukhuset.

Work description: Sex differences and gonadal hormone effects in psychiatry have been abundantly reported, if evaluated, but their psychoneuroendocrine underpinnings remain largely unknown, thus impeding the development of sex-specific treatments. Ongoing studies of the group aim to make a major headway in understanding the psychobiology of women’s behavior and mental health. By employing genetic, endocrine, pharmacological, neurophysiological and neuroimaging measures, we aim to characterize diagnosis- and treatment-related biomarkers of sex-specific disorders. The postdoctoral researcher will analyze data collected using state-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques (i.e. fMRI, rsMRI, DTI, MR, PET) available at Uppsala University. This, in combination with validated psychological and molecular biology methods, gold standard clinical procedures, hypothesis-free approaches and longitudinal designs, will contribute to develop a nosology of sex-specific psychiatric disorders informed by disease neurobiology. The group is affiliated with SciLifeLab, a Swedish research center within molecular biosciences that offers a cross-disciplinary research setting and a multitude of biomolecular technologies and bioinformatics services.

Qualifications: To qualify for an employment as a post-doctor, the applicant must hold a doctor’s degree or a foreign qualification deemed equivalent to a doctorate. To be eligible for a position as postdoctoral researcher the applicant's Ph.D. degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the application date; however, for example periods of sick leave or parental leave are deducted from the three-year period.

We look for a highly motivated and goal-oriented researcher to join the group. A PhD in bioinformatics, neuroimaging, computational neuroscience or equivalent is required. The candidate is expected to have very strong background in basic neuroimaging data analysis. Prior experience in advanced analyses of rs-fMRI or DTI data is required. Any previous knowledge in fMRI data analyses is advantageous. The postdoctoral researcher will investigate brain structure and function of healthy subjects as well as psychiatric patients, with a special focus on women´s mental health. Multimodal neuroimaging data analysis and interpretation will be the primary responsibility of the successful applicant. Additionally, participation in the general duties of the team and collaboration with other team members are expected.

The project will rely on data already available in the group and the candidate will also be encouraged to develop original approaches to study relevant questions in the field of Psychoneuroendocrinology. For this reason, computational skills combined with an interest in multi-modal neuroimaging and spirit of inventiveness would be very welcome. Excellent organizational and proficiency in written and spoken English is a requirement. A strong motivation to work in a multi-disciplinary and collaborative environment is expected.

For more information on the work of the laboratory, please visit https://www.scilifelab.se/researchers/erika-comasco/ or http://www.neuro.uu.se/research/neuropsychopharmacology/psychoneuroendocrinology-of-womens-mental-health+/.

Your application should include:

Cover letter (no more than 3 pages) describing why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement and what makes you suitable for the project in question

  • A curriculum vitae, including date of the thesis defense, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, committee work, and bioinformatics skills
  • A complete list of publications
  • A summary of current work (no more than one page)
  • Copy of PhD thesis
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).

Applications are judged according to eligibility, previous experience of work/research/studies within closely related fields and personal suitability.

Uppsala University aims for gender balance and diversity in all activities in order to achieve a higher quality at all levels of the organization. We therefore welcome applicants of any gender and with different birth background, functionality and life experience.

Salary: Individual postdoctoral salary is applied.

Start date of employment: 2018-04-01 or after agreement.

End date of employment: 2020-03-31.

Working hours: 100%

For further information about the position please contact 
Associate professor
Erika Comasco, erika.comasco@neuro.uu.se

Welcome with your application in English no later than 21st of February 2018, UFV-PA 2017/4934.

Type of employment Permanent position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2018-04-01
Salary Fixed salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Uppsala
County Uppsala län
Country Sweden
Reference number UFV-PA 2017/4934
Union representative
  • Per Sundman, Saco-rådet, 018-471 1485
  • Suzanne Borén Andersson, TCO/ST, 018-471 6251
  • Ellena Papaioannou, Seko, 018-471 3315
Published 12.Jan.2018
Last application date 21.Feb.2018 11:59 PM CET

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