Marina Romero-Ramos Laboratory
We are a Neuroscience laboratory based at Aarhus University in Denmark, lead by Prof. Dr. Marina Romero-Ramos, and study the early and progressive changes in Parkinson's disease driven by alpha-synuclein pathology and its role in neurodegeneration. A major focus of our work is the immune response - not only the activity of microglia in the brain, but also the involvement of peripheral immune cells and lymphoid organs. Our central hypothesis is that the immune response in Parkinson's disease is dynamic and diverse - shaped by disease subtype, disease stage, and by biological sex. To explore this, we investigate both innate and adaptive immunity using a range of approaches:
A) Rodent models that mimic in vivo complex disease mechanisms
B) Cell culture systems for mechanistic insights
C) Human biosamples from people with Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies
Ultimately, our goal is to better understand how the immune system contributes to Parkinson's disease progression and to uncover potential therapeutic targets.
The position is advertised through TUD Alumnus Mr.Felix Buchner, who is a fromer RegBioMed Masters student ar CRTD TU Dresden (2019-2022) and PhD candiate at the lab.
Please contact email of the PI: mrr@biomed.au.dk
Candidates will be part of a research group investigating the in-vivo interaction of selected environmental toxicants with Parkinson’s disease pathology and risk in pre-clinical rodent models of the disease. The candidate will use different disease-modelling approaches and assess causative association of different environmental toxins with brain pathology in WT and/or rodent models of LRRK2 and GBA variants.You will be employed in the project Connecting the environmental exposome to PD risk and disease pathology. This project is funded through an externally financed research grant. The project is part of the Health Faculty at AU and PACE – Lundbeck Foundation Parkinson’s disease Research Center at AUH. Close interaction and constant scientific exchange with the teams and the collaborators (both academics and clinicians) will be essential for the advancement of the project.
As Postdoc in Biomedicine your position is primarily research-based but may also involve teaching assignments. You will contribute to the development of the department through research of high international quality. In your daily work, you will work closely with colleagues on your project, where you will receive supervision and guidance.
The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for all the in-vivo modeling by performing stereotaxic surgery in rats, behavioral analysis, postmortem brain histology for advanced microscopy analysis of neurons and glia and peripheral organ collection for cell isolation and immune profiling through Spectral/Flow Cytometry and/or RNAseq. You will be responsible for all data analysis.
You will report to the Head of Department of Biomedicine.
Successful candidates will have an excellent track record and will be highly motivated, self-driven candidate, with a PhD in neurodegenerative disorders using rodent models, and proven experience on analysis of the neurodegenerative and/or inflammatory processes occurring in these types of diseases. Priority will be given to those with experience in the field of Parkinson’s disease and the role of alpha-synuclein, GBA/LRRK2 mutations, and/or the field of neurodegeneration associated with environmental toxicants.
The postdoctoral fellow will work in close collaboration with other fellows and students in the lab, and collaborative skills will be highly important for the success in carrying out the planned research.
Therefore, you are a highly motivated and independent researcher with proven experience on:
A) in-vivo pre-clinical models of neurodegeneration (ideally alpha-synuclein, GBA and/or LRRK2) OR/AND B) environmental toxicants and their association with neurodegeneration
In-vivo methods focused on brain stereotaxic surgery and rodent behavioural testing
Postmortem neuroanatomical methods: brain tissue processing and histology
Different advanced imaging and microscopy techniques, including image analysis
Experience with peripheral tissue handling (ex: spleen, blood, gut) is a plus
Experience in flow cytometry and/or transcriptomic techniques are not necessary but will be an advantage
You have excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
The successful candidate is expected to have strong skills in English, show mobility in his/her CV, and to have a demonstrated scientific track record, including two publications in a peer-reviewed scientific journal within a relevant field with at least one first authorship. Prior teaching experience will be also considered a plus.
As a person, you have good interpersonal skills, are inclusive and team-oriented and able to contribute to a good work environment. We expect you to be fluent in oral and written English.
In order to be assessed as qualified for a Postdoc position, you must meet these academic criteria.
Shortlisting will be used.
We are hiring 2 (two) new Postdoc positions (https://biomed.au.dk/about-us/vacant-positions/job/postdoc-in-influence-of-environmental-toxins-in-parkinsons-disease-pathology)
Appointment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.
Further information on the appointment procedure can be found in the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
The appointment is in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne).
Remuneration is in accordance with the above, and the Salary agreement catalogue for staff at Health.
The yearly base salary for a fulltime postdoc is between DKK 484.214,84 and DKK 538.720,20 depending on the years of working experience after achieved MSc degree. The base salary includes a position related supplement and pension (17.1 %). Additional supplement(s) for special qualifications can be negotiated. Authorisation supplemement(s) will be granted, if relevant for the position. Your local eligible trade union representative at Aarhus University negotiates your salary on your behalf.
Researchers recruited from abroad are offered a special researcher tax scheme with a lower tax rate.
Further information on qualification requirements and job description can be found in the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff.
Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including assistance with relocation and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about the International Staff Office and the range of services here. Aarhus University also has a Junior Researcher Association and offers career development support. You can read more about these resources here.
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Marina Romero-Ramos e-mail: mrr@biomed.au.dk or phone (+45 6020 2749), and check the webpage https://biomed.au.dk/about-us/vacant-positions/job/postdoc-in-influence-of-environmental-toxins-in-parkinsons-disease-pathology
Your application must include the following:
Motivated application
Curriculum Vitae
Diploma
Template for applicant - postdoc (https://health.au.dk/fileadmin/www.health.au.dk/Om_Health_Ekstern/Ledige_stillinger/Ansaettelsesprocedurer/Word/Template-for-applicant-postdoc.docx)
A list of publications
A teaching portfolio. We refer to Guideline on the use of teaching portfolios
A maximum of five of the publications of greatest relevance to the job may be submitted (optional)
Research plan can be uploaded (optional)
Coauthor statement(s) can be uploaded (optional)
References/recommendations can be uploaded separately in the e-recruitment system (optional)
Please do not (!) contact Mr. Felix Buchner (fbu@biomed.au.dk), the account linked through this Stellenticket, regarding the position.
The position is simply advertised through a free ticket offered to TUD Alumnus Mr.Felix Buchner, who is a fromer RegBioMed Masters student at CRTD TU Dresden (2019-2022) and PhD candiate at the lab. Please only contact the group leader.
Your place of work will be the Department of Biomedicine, Skou Building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
We expect to conduct interviews mid June.
ID: 203382