Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Neuroanatomy

About the role

The Molecular Neuroanatomy research group at Lund University, led by Åsa Mackenzie, studies the brain regions and neural circuits behind the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, with a focus on the subthalamic nucleus (STN). It is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher for an experimental project investigating brain circuits relevant to Parkinson's disease, supported by the Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) network. The work is primarily laboratory-based and takes place at the Biomedical Centre near Skåne University Hospital in Lund.

Key responsibilities

• Comparative molecular and anatomical mapping of the subthalamic region in human, mouse and macaque brain tissue, using in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry, microscopy, image analysis and spatial reconstruction.
• Optogenetic and behavioural studies in mice: genotyping, stereotactic brain surgery, viral vector delivery, optical fibre implantation, optogenetic manipulation of circuits and behavioural assessment.
• Integrate histological and molecular findings with MRI-based anatomical datasets and DBS stimulation data from clinical and preclinical studies.
• Analyse, interpret and present results, write scientific manuscripts and give presentations at national and international meetings.
• Supervise students and take part in other academic activities.

Required profile

• PhD in neurobiology, experimental psychology, pharmacology or a related discipline, completed no more than three years before the application deadline (earlier completion possible under special circumstances).
• Proven ability to develop and conduct high-quality research; assessment is primarily on scientific merit and potential.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

Required skills

• Documented practical research experience in experimental neuroscience, including histological and/or molecular techniques.
• Practical experience in optogenetics, behavioural analysis, stereotactic surgery and molecular genotyping.
• FELASA-accredited training or equivalent for work with laboratory animals.
• Preferred: experience in optogenetic manipulation, stereotactic surgery, viral vector delivery, in situ hybridisation, immunohistochemistry, comparative neuroanatomy, microscopy, image analysis, data integration and scientific writing.

Applications are submitted through the university's recruitment system and must include a personal letter, a CV with publications, a summary of previous research, a copy of the doctorate, reference contacts and any other supporting documents. The position is fixed-term for 2 years, renewable for up to one additional year, with a suggested start of 11 January 2027.