Fixed-term

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future. At the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, at the Sahlgrenska Academy, we conduct research and education covering a wide range of knowledge areas. The institute comprises five different departments: Clinical Neuroscience, Health and Rehabilitation, Pharmacology, Physiology and Psychiatry and Neurochemistry. The Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher employment at the Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry. The Neurochemistry laboratory, at the Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, conducts neurochemical medical research targeted to understand the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders. An important goal is to identify protein changes linked to the pathophysiology of human diseases, known as biomarkers, which can be valuable to explore disease mechanisms, for diagnosis, and to monitor treatment effects in man. The Neurochemistry laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to conduct research on the development as well as both clinical and neurochemical validation of methods for measuring the neurofilament alpha-internexin (AINX) in body fluids. Subject area Neurochemistry with a specialisation in Biomarkers Subject area description Neurodegenerative diseases, particularly dementias, are becoming increasingly prevalent as the population ages. Current cognitive tests used in dementia diagnostics are often too blunt to detect mild cognitive impairment or to differentiate between various neurodegenerative disorders. While established cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and more recently blood-based, biomarkers exist for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and are routinely used in diagnostics, such markers are still lacking for other conditions, including frontotemporal dementia (FTD).  Thus, we need new markers that reflect different disease mechanisms in order to facilitate early and reliable diagnosis. Job assignments The employment is connected to a project aimed at developing new immunochemical methods for quantifying the neurofilament AINX in body fluids, as well as further investigating this protein in neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and frontotemporal dementia. The responsibilities include validating and evaluating new analytical methods, as well as conducting clinical neurochemical studies. The analytical methods include various immunochemical platforms, such as Simoa, MSD, and Nulisa. The role also involves administrative tasks related to the projects, such as compiling and reporting data. Eligibility The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg. To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made. In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area. To qualify as a postdoctoral researcher for this employment, the applicant should hold a PhD within the subject area of Neurochemistry. Assessment The applicant should have research experience in the field of Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and other neurodegenerative conditions. Knowledge and experience in protein chemical analyses and the development of new immunochemical methods on the Simoa, MSD, and Nulisa platforms are considered merits. Furthermore, experience with antibody characterization, for example through immunoprecipitation, is also advantageous. Other desirable qualifications include the ability to manage data and coordinate projects, and to have contact with collaborative partners. Great emphasis will be on personal suitability. Employment The employment is limited (temporary) for 2 years, 100% of full-time, and is placed at the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology. Starting date: as soon as possible or as agreed. Contact information If you have questions regarding the employment please contact Researcher Hlin Kvartsberg, phone: +46 31 343 0025, e-mail: hlin.kvartsberg@neuro.gu.se Manager in charge is Professor/Head of Department Henrik Zetterberg, phone: +46 768 672 647, e-mail: henrik.zetterberg@clinchem.gu.se Application documents are not to be submitted through the contact persons. Unions Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply Application Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. Please enclose PhD certificate with the application. Applications must be received by: 2026-03-30 Information for International Applicants Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations. Salaries are set individually at the University. In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed. Apply Now

Duties  Doctoral education in Medical Science comprises carrying out a scientific project and completing at least 30 credits of courses at third-cycle level. The doctoral student must also write a scientific compilation thesis or monograph corresponding to at least 120 credits. For more information about third-cycle studies at Sahlgrenska Academy, see https://www.gu.se/en/sahlgrenska-akademin/doctoral-studies Doctoral studies comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree. As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period, and result in a corresponding extension of the studies. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration. RNA interference (RNAi) is a critical biological process that regulates gene expression and maintains cellular homeostasis. Disruptions in RNAi pathways are linked to various diseases. The RNAi machinery primarily involves Argonaute (AGO) proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs), which bind to messenger RNAs (mRNAs), leading to mRNA degradation and gene silencing. While the cytoplasmic RNAi mechanisms are well-characterized, recent findings highlight that RNAi also operates within the cell nucleus. In the nucleus, AGO2 plays essential roles during early development but is typically excluded from the nucleus in mature, healthy cells. However, mislocalization of AGO2 to the nucleus has been observed during viral infections, cancer, and aging, often correlated with poor disease progression. This suggests that targeting nuclear AGO2 could offer a novel therapeutic strategy for certain diseases. On the topic we have published: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40219968/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38994560/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11169490/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30146314/ https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.12.693770v1.full This PhD project explores how spatial regulation of AGO proteins influences gene regulation in cancer and viral infection. The aim is to understand how compartment-specific RNA silencing contributes to disease and to develop new strategies to restore proper RNAi function in pathological contexts. The project combines molecular and cellular biology with systems-level approaches, including RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), miRNA profiling, PAR-CLIP, and proteomic analyses to investigate gene regulation and RNA–protein interaction networks. Together, these methods will provide mechanistic insight into how RNA silencing pathways are altered in disease and how they can be reprogrammed. We are seeking a highly motivated and curious candidate with a strong background in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related field. The candidate should demonstrate strong experimental skills, independence, critical thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment. Experience in one or more of the following areas is advantageous: • RNA biology and gene regulation • Cell culture and molecular cloning • RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) or small RNA analysis • Protein–RNA interaction methods (e.g., CLIP-based approaches) • Microscopy and subcellular localization studies • Basic bioinformatics or analysis of high-throughput sequencing data • Proteomics or biochemical assays Prior experience in cancer biology, virology, or RNA interference is beneficial but not required. Read more at our homepage: www.sarshadlab.com Eligibility  Doctoral education requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject. The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are: having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad. Specific entry requirements for this subject, according to the general syllabus, are: having successfully completed the English B/6 course or is considered to have acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies. Assessment criteria  The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the doctoral studies. The assessment shall attach particular importance to documented qualifications for: – specific knowledge and skills within the subject area and related research fields – experience of scientific theory and relevant research methodology – scientific analysis and presentation verified through an academic paper, degree project, scientific journals or the like. Admission and employment  Once you have been admitted to doctoral studies, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg. The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100. Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time. A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at doctoral level for four years. Location: Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell biology. Extent: 100%. First day of employment: as agreed. The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students. Please note, doctoral studies at the institute of Biomedicine require physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, the institute has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies.   Contact information For more information about the project please contact principal supervisor, Aishe Sarshad, Associate Professor, Institute of Biomedicine, e-mail: aishe.sarshad@gu.se   Unions Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande   Application You can apply to be admitted to doctoral education via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.   You must include the following, in pdf format Personal letter CV Diploma and transcripts showing that you meet with the general entry requirement Proof of completion of English 6 course or the acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies If your degree is from a university outside of Sweden, make sure that you attach a diploma and full transcripts that makes assessing your degree easier. For information on what you need to submit in order to fulfill the English

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future. Doctoral position in Medical Science Project title: Targeting astrocytes to improve outcome in CNS diseases The Department of Clinical Neuroscience is located at the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. We are at the forefront of groundbreaking research in neurology, neurosurgery, clinical neurophysiology, ophthalmology, rehabilitation medicine, and experimental neuroscience, working closely with Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Our department offers educational programs for future physicians, biomedical analysts, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists, along with specialized commissioned courses in collaboration with the Department of Neurology at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Join our innovative team of researchers who are constantly pushing the boundaries of science. Are you ready to be part of something extraordinary? General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university’s doctoral student pages https://www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies Duties  Doctoral education in Medical Science comprises carrying out a scientific project and completing at least 30 credits of courses at third-cycle level. The doctoral student must also write a scientific compilation thesis or monograph corresponding to at least 120 credits. For more information about third-cycle studies at Sahlgrenska Academy, see https://www.gu.se/en/sahlgrenska-akademin/doctoral-studies Project: We and others showed that astrocytes are involved in many processes in the CNS ranging from the establishment and maintenance of neuronal synapses and regulation of synaptic transmission, to neuroprotection and control of regenerative responses. These findings identify astrocytes as a major factor in the maintenance of brain health and a central element in many neurological diseases, making them a novel therapeutic target. We and others previously demonstrated that reactive gliosis, while beneficial in many neurological conditions, can in some disease contexts become maladaptive, with severe consequences for the CNS function. We hypothesize that the maladaptive response of reactive astrocytes is the driver of some neurodegenerative disorders. The project aims to address cellular and molecular mechanisms of astrocyte malfunction and provide the basis for designing future treatment strategies for neurodegenerative conditions involving maladaptive astrocyte reactivity. The student will use mouse disease models, perform behavioral assessment of sensorimotor functions, and apply state-of-the-art tissue and omics analyses. Taking advantage of a strong collaborative network of national and international experts, this PhD project will contribute to the understanding of the role of astrocytes in selected CNS diseases, and has the potential to accelerate the development of new treatments to improve outcome. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate, preferentially with very well documented experience in molecular and cellular biology laboratory work. The candidate should have medical, clinical or biological background, strong interest in neuroscience, a drive to advance the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of human disease, and excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Doctoral studies comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree. Eligibility  Doctoral education requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject. The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are: 1. having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or 2. the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or 3. the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad. Specific entry requirements for this subject, according to the general syllabus, are: having successfully completed the English B/6 course or is considered to have acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies. Assessment criteria  The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the doctoral studies. The assessment shall attach particular importance to documented qualifications for: – specific knowledge and skills within the subject area and related research fields – experience of scientific theory and relevant research methodology – scientific analysis and presentation verified through an academic paper, degree project, scientific journals or the like. Admission and employment  Once you have been admitted to doctoral studies, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg. The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100. Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time. A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at doctoral level for four years. Location: Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience. Extent: 100%. First day of employment: as agreed. The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students. Please note, doctoral studies at the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology requires physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies.  Contact information For more information about the project please contact principal supervisor, Milos Pekny, Professor, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, e-mail: milos.pekny@neuro.gu.se Unions Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande     Application You can apply to be admitted to doctoral education via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. You must include the following, in pdf format Personal letter CV Diploma and transcripts showing that you meet with the general entry requirement Proof of completion of English 6 course or the acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies