Postdoctoral position in Pharmacology

A 2-year postdoctoral position is available to study the pharmacological interactions between cannabinoid and dopamine receptors in cannabis-induced psychosis. The research will be carried out at the Department of Integrative Medical Biology, which offers a stimulating and international research environment located in newly renovated and state-of-the art research labs. The employment will be on a full-time, fixed-term position for two years, located in Umeå starting 1st of July 2022 or upon agreement. Last date for application is 20th May 2022.

Beskrivning av projektet

Cannabis use is a known risk factor for schizophrenia, but the neuropharmacological mechanisms through which cannabinoids influence psychosis are not understood. Cannabinoid CB1 and dopamine D2 receptors can physically interact to form CB1/D2 heteromers. Although the pharmacological importance of this interaction is yet to be determined on a molecular level, this project aims to investigate this in the context of cannabinoid-induced psychosis. The main hypothesis we are addressing is whether or not bidirectional allosteric interaction within CB1/D2 heteromers have functional consequences for the activity of receptor complexes in both the healthy brain and in cannabis-induced psychosis. Hence, the main goal of this project is to use pharmacology to characterize the effects of different CB receptor ligands on CB1/D2 heteromer-specific signalling. The project will take advantage of the key strengths of different model systems - from transfected human cell lines, mouse/human stem cell-derived neuronal models, to a pharmacological model of schizophrenia in vivo using zebrafish.

Work responsibilities

As the person employed in this project, you will lead and perform experimental research into cannabinoid signalling under the supervision of the PI, Professor Stig Jacobsson. You will also help to support junior staff in other interfacing projects, that use similar experimental techniques or share overlapping aims. The position will include challenging benchwork using molecular and cell biology, in concert with biochemical and pharmacological methods. Work tasks will include independent project design and performance, data analysis, presentation of results at meetings and conferences, as well as writing of publications under the supervision of the PI. Candidates are also expected to contribute their own ideas to the research project and apply for their own grants related to the project.

Eligibility

A person who has been awarded a doctorate (Ph.D) or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate in life science research (e.g. pharmacology, physiology, neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular biology or biomedicine) is eligible for appointment as a postdoctoral researcher. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time at which the appointment decision is made.

Qualified applicants should have a documented experience of standard molecular biology methods, cell culture, extraction and biochemical analysis of proteins and high throughput cell-based assays. The applicant should be fluent in both written and spoken English. 

Additional qualifications

Since appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is a career-development position for a junior researcher, we are primarily interested in applicants who have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline. In certain circumstances, an applicant who has completed their degree more than three years earlier than the date of appointment may be considered. Such circumstances include absence due to illness, parental leave, clinical practice, appointment of trust within a trade union organization or similar. Involvement in relevant duties/assignments within the subject area is also values as an extenuating circumstance.

Other merits for the position, include documented experience of the culture of iPSC-derived neurons, generation of stable cell lines, fluorescence- or luminescence-based methods to assay GPCR signalling and cell viability assays. Experience of radioligand binding, behavioral assays in zebrafish, and statistical analysis of biological research data are further merits. The ability to work and develop independently as well as in a team and excellent communication skills are essential. Great emphasis will be placed on the applicant's ability to cooperate and suitabilty for the project. A knowledge of Swedish will be seen as a merit.

More information about the position

The appointment will be on a full-time, fixed-term position for two years in accordance with the terms of contract for fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher.

More information about the group's research can be obtained by contacting Prof. Stig Jacobsson;
mail: [email protected], Phone: +46 70 664 7238.

Application

The application must include:

• A brief description of your research interests and a statement describing why you are interested in and your suitability for the position
• CV
• List of publications
• Degree certificate from your doctoral studies and other relevant degrees
• Contact details of two reference persons

The application must be written in English or Swedish. It must be submitted via our e-recruitment system Varbi and no later than 20th May 2022.

We look forward to receiving your application.