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reference: 03161812000576

documentId: 03161812000576

connectionPointId: 261

Stillingstittel:
Postdoctoral fellowship - Utilization of human induced pluripotent stem cells to investigate the role of inflammatory factors in severe mental disorders - Department of Medical Genetics

Stillingsbeskrivelse:

Postdoctoral fellowship - Utilization of human induced pluripotent stem cells to investigate the role of inflammatory factors in severe mental disorders

The Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and Centre of Excellence The Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT) & K.G. Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, offers a 2 year postdoctoral fellowship position.

The department of Medical Genetics of Oslo University Hospital is the largest medical genetics department in Norway. The Research and Development section forms a dynamic research environment consisting of 8 senior researchers, 20 postdocs and PhD fellows, and 10 technicians. The section also hosts the Norwegian Sequencing Center (www.sequencing.uio.no), a national core facility for high throughput sequencing.

NORMENT runs a multicenter study involving all psychiatric hospital departments in Oslo and several research groups at the University of Oslo. The purpose of the programme is to study how biological/genetic, psychological and environmental factors contribute to severe mental disorders. NORMENT/K.G. Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research has used its infrastructure for clinical evaluations, neuropsychological testing, MRI brain imaging and biobanking to collect a large database.

Specifically, we have collected a large number of genetic and brain imaging data, as well as skin biopsies on patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BD). The current project is based on the emerging cell culture technology of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Human cell-based models can be ideal experimental paradigms with which to investigate several key disease mechanisms, such as synapse dynamics, receptor interaction, and immunomodulation and thus provide a new avenue in our understanding of psychiatric disorders.

Project

The application of iPSCs is an emerging trend in science, and offers an excellent way to study the background of SCZ and BD. By performing cell-based iPSC studies, this project aims to identify and characterize molecular and cellular mechanisms and phenotypes that are responsible for the symptoms and predisposition of these disorders. Immunological factors emanate as a possible underlying mechanism in psychotic disorders, considering that autoimmunity, infections, and CNS inflammation may play a pivotal role in the development of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Understanding of the mechanisms by which immune system and cytokines contribute to neuropsychiatric disease could lead to the identification of novel drug targets. Major goals include further development of our human iPSCs cell culture systems exploring the role of recently identified common and rare genetic factors in SCZ and BP.  

Job abstractJV_description

The current project represents pioneering efforts to understand the mechanisms by which the immune system and cytokines contribute to neuropsychiatric disease using an appropriate iPSC model.

This project aims at experimental methodologies that will include IPSC-derived neurons and astrocytes, 2D co-cultures, and microglia. The candidate will join the group experienced with iPSC differentiation. The derived cells will be subjected to rigorous validation utilizing already established protocols. These will include transcriptome analysis, immunohistochemistry, high-end microscopy, FACS, and diverse immunological assays.

Requirements and Qualifications

The applicant must hold a PhD degree in immunology or neuroscience/cell biology or equivalent, and have a documented genuine interest in the type of project we offer.

The successful candidate should:

• document experience in both immunology and stem cell biology

• have interest for working on cellular- and molecular level mechanisms underlying SCZ and BP

• background in microscopic imaging is desirable

• have strong analytical and problem solving skills, and attention to details

• be proficient in spoken and written English

Personal skills will be emphasized. Especially, the candidate should be able to work independently and interactively in a team setting, be motivated and responsible, and also have great work capacity and enthusiasm for research.

What we offer

• an exciting research environment with a multidisciplinary profile and large opportunities for academic development
• pay grade: NOK 497 000- NOK 555 100, depending on qualifications.
• favorable pension arrangements
• attractive welfare arrangements

The application must include:

-          Application letter, including motivation for applying for the position

-          CV (summarizing education, positions, academic work,scientific publications and other relevant activity)

-          A complete list of all publications and academic work

-          Copies of educational certificates and transcripts of records

-          Contact details of 2 referees (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

Please remember that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Only applicants who apply through webcruiter will be considered.

 

For more information

Contact group leader/Professor II Srdjan Djurovic: phone +47 22 11 98 90, srdjan.djurovic (at) medisin.uio.no

 

Contact informationSrdjan Djurovic, Group leader/Professor II, +47 22 11 98 90, srdjan.djurovic (at) medisin.uio.no
Key information: Advertiser:Oslo universitetssykehus HF

Ref. nr.:3997188532
Engasjement
Start date: 01/03/2019
End date: 28/02/2021
Number of positions: 1
Deadline for application: 11/01/2019


https://www.webcruiter.no/wcmain/advertviewpublic.aspx?oppdragsnr=3997188532&company_id=606503124&culture_id=EN

Link to application form:[Click here]


numberOfPosts: 1

jobCategoriesCodes_0: http://data.europa.eu/esco/isco/C2131

abstractJV_contact_0: See jobabstractJV_description

positionTypeCode: temporary

Arbeidsgiver Navn: Oslo universitetssykehus HF

source: NAV