Job ID: 86659

Postdoc position in neuro-plasticity at Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 18 September 2022

Contract Length: 2+3 years

City: Stockholm

Country: Sweden

Institution: Karolinska Institutet

Department: Neuroscience

Description:

We are looking for one highly motivated researcher interested in neuroscience, focusing on motor systems. The offered position is part of ongoing projects regarding the plasticity of neuronal network organization under physiological (exercise/training) and pathophysiological conditions, such as neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) and injury. To address this issue, we will take advantage of the experimental amenability of the genetically powerful model system of the zebrafish – whose circuitry is relatively simple, better understood, and produces a measurable and robust behavioral output.

The postdoc candidate will research how changes in muscle fiber properties can shape the organization and operational range of the corresponding upstream neuro-circuit. Our lab uses various state-of-the-art methods, including electrophysiology (patch-clamp recordings), viral transfection methods, calcium imaging, fixed tissue immunofluorescent microscopy, and animal behavior.

Candidates should be highly motivated, energetic, self-motivated, and able to work independently and in collaboration. Requirements are a Ph.D. degree in neuroscience or related discipline (within the past two years since 2020) and demonstrated expertise with whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology (at least one publication). In addition, any experience with neuroanatomy and/or zebrafish will be positively evaluated. There is some flexibility in the starting date.

Applications should include a detailed CV with a publication list, a brief statement of research experience and interests (1-page max), and at least two references to Dr. Konstantinos Ampatzis (konstantinos.ampatzis@ki.se).

Related references:

Chang, W., Pedroni, A., Bertuzzi, M., Kizil, C., Simon, A., and Ampatzis, K. (2021). Locomotion dependent neuron-glia interactions control neurogenesis and regeneration in the adult zebrafish spinal cord. Nature Communications 12, 4857.

Chang, W., Pedroni, A., Hohendorf, V., Giacomello, S., Hibi, M., Köster, R.W., and Ampatzis, K. (2020). Functionally distinct Purkinje cell types show temporal precision in encoding locomotion. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 117, 17330–17337.

Bertuzzi, M., Chang, W., and Ampatzis, K. (2018). Adult spinal motoneurons change their neurotransmitter phenotype to control locomotion. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.a. 115, E9926–E9933.

Song, J., Ampatzis, K., Björnfors, E.R., and Manira, El, A. (2016). Motor neurons control locomotor circuit function retrogradely via gap junctions. Nature 529, 399–402.

Ampatzis, K., Song, J., Ausborn, J., and Manira, El, A. (2014). Separate microcircuit modules of distinct v2a interneurons and motoneurons control the speed of locomotion. Neuron 83, 934–943.