Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental Systems Neuroscience & Viral engineering
Karolinska Institutet, Brockport, NY, United States
Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental Systems Neuroscience & Viral engineering
As a lead experimental postdoc, you will work at the interface of viral engineering and systems neuroscience. Your primary focus is the development of dual‑AAV systems for red‑light‑ and activity‑dependent transgene expression in the adult mouse brain.
Your mission
Key responsibilities include:
Developing and implementing a dual‑AAV system for red‑light‑ and activity‑dependent transgene expression in the adult mouse brain (design and testing in close collaboration with the Nyberg Lab).
Performing retro‑orbital AAV delivery, stereotaxic surgeries, and fiber/GRIN lens implants.
Designing and running behavioral paradigms, with a focus on resident‑intruder aggression and related instinctive behaviors.
Recording neural activity using miniscope imaging or two‑photon microscopy (head‑fixed and freely moving setups) and combining this with optogenetic manipulations.
Coordinating viral production/testing with the Nyberg Lab and establishing robust SOPs for the toolkit.
Analyzing experimental data using existing pipelines (Python/MATLAB) and interacting with computational collaborators for advanced state‑space
etwork analyses.
Disseminating results via manuscripts, conference presentations, and internal seminars; co‑mentoring students and research assistants as appropriate.
This role is fundamentally integrative: your work will span viral design to systems‑level circuit interrogation, operating across both labs’ strengths.
Candidate’s profile
We are looking for a curious, hands‑on experimentalist who enjoys working across methods and disciplines.
Required qualifications and experience
A PhD (or equivalent) in neuroscience, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, or a closely related field, obtained no more than a few years before the start date.
Strong experience in in‑vivo rodent experiments, with competence in at least one of: stereotaxic surgery and viral/vector delivery; in‑vivo imaging (miniscope, 2P); optogenetics/chemogenetics in behaving animals.
Design and execution of behavioral paradigms in mice.
Demonstrated scientific productivity, typically through first‑author publications or equivalent outputs.
A high degree of independence, good organizational skills, and strong communication in English (spoken and written).
Strong social skills and ability to work both independently and as part of teams.
Additional strengths that are particularly encouraged
AAV or lentiviral work (design, preparation, or in‑vivo use).
Integration of behavior with imaging/optogenetics in mice.
Development of custom behavioral tasks and closed‑loop experimental designs.
Proficiency in basic data analysis in Python or MATLAB (more advanced modeling will be supported by collaborators).
Prior work in collaborative, interdisciplinary projects.
Most importantly, we value enthusiasm for learning new techniques, the ability to troubleshoot complex experiments, and an interest in understanding how survival circuits are organized and controlled.
Eligibility
To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, a PhD or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a Swedish PhD is required. Completion of your doctoral degree within the last three years is considered an advantage.
What we offer
A creative and collaborative environment with wide‑ranging expertise. The postdoc will be primarily based in the Stagkourakis Lab (behavior, imaging, systems neuroscience) with co‑mentorship from the Nyberg Lab (AAV engineering, optogenetic gene control). You will have access to fully equipped behavior rooms, animal facilities, a two‑photon microscope, Inscopix miniscope, fiber‑optic setups, AAV production and purification infrastructure, and scientific‑technical training. You will also be part of the broader KI Neuroscience and SciLifeLab communities and participate in KIRI activities.
Location
Solna, Sweden
Position duration
This is a full‑time postdoctoral position funded by the KIRI‑Fellow postdoc project grant for two years, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and available funding.
Application
Submit the following documents in English or Swedish through the Varbi recruitment system:
PhD certificate
Complete résumé, including date of thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
Cover letter (1–2 pages) describing your research interests and how they align with the project, your relevant experimental experience, and your motivation for joining the labs
Complete list of publications
Summary of current work (no more than one page)
Contact details for at least two references (or reference letters, if available)
Read more about KIRI here: https://ki.se/en/research/research-areas-centres-and-networks/research-networks-at-ki/ki-research-incubator-kiri
#J-18808-Ljbffr
As a lead experimental postdoc, you will work at the interface of viral engineering and systems neuroscience. Your primary focus is the development of dual‑AAV systems for red‑light‑ and activity‑dependent transgene expression in the adult mouse brain.
Your mission
Key responsibilities include:
Developing and implementing a dual‑AAV system for red‑light‑ and activity‑dependent transgene expression in the adult mouse brain (design and testing in close collaboration with the Nyberg Lab).
Performing retro‑orbital AAV delivery, stereotaxic surgeries, and fiber/GRIN lens implants.
Designing and running behavioral paradigms, with a focus on resident‑intruder aggression and related instinctive behaviors.
Recording neural activity using miniscope imaging or two‑photon microscopy (head‑fixed and freely moving setups) and combining this with optogenetic manipulations.
Coordinating viral production/testing with the Nyberg Lab and establishing robust SOPs for the toolkit.
Analyzing experimental data using existing pipelines (Python/MATLAB) and interacting with computational collaborators for advanced state‑space
etwork analyses.
Disseminating results via manuscripts, conference presentations, and internal seminars; co‑mentoring students and research assistants as appropriate.
This role is fundamentally integrative: your work will span viral design to systems‑level circuit interrogation, operating across both labs’ strengths.
Candidate’s profile
We are looking for a curious, hands‑on experimentalist who enjoys working across methods and disciplines.
Required qualifications and experience
A PhD (or equivalent) in neuroscience, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, or a closely related field, obtained no more than a few years before the start date.
Strong experience in in‑vivo rodent experiments, with competence in at least one of: stereotaxic surgery and viral/vector delivery; in‑vivo imaging (miniscope, 2P); optogenetics/chemogenetics in behaving animals.
Design and execution of behavioral paradigms in mice.
Demonstrated scientific productivity, typically through first‑author publications or equivalent outputs.
A high degree of independence, good organizational skills, and strong communication in English (spoken and written).
Strong social skills and ability to work both independently and as part of teams.
Additional strengths that are particularly encouraged
AAV or lentiviral work (design, preparation, or in‑vivo use).
Integration of behavior with imaging/optogenetics in mice.
Development of custom behavioral tasks and closed‑loop experimental designs.
Proficiency in basic data analysis in Python or MATLAB (more advanced modeling will be supported by collaborators).
Prior work in collaborative, interdisciplinary projects.
Most importantly, we value enthusiasm for learning new techniques, the ability to troubleshoot complex experiments, and an interest in understanding how survival circuits are organized and controlled.
Eligibility
To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, a PhD or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a Swedish PhD is required. Completion of your doctoral degree within the last three years is considered an advantage.
What we offer
A creative and collaborative environment with wide‑ranging expertise. The postdoc will be primarily based in the Stagkourakis Lab (behavior, imaging, systems neuroscience) with co‑mentorship from the Nyberg Lab (AAV engineering, optogenetic gene control). You will have access to fully equipped behavior rooms, animal facilities, a two‑photon microscope, Inscopix miniscope, fiber‑optic setups, AAV production and purification infrastructure, and scientific‑technical training. You will also be part of the broader KI Neuroscience and SciLifeLab communities and participate in KIRI activities.
Location
Solna, Sweden
Position duration
This is a full‑time postdoctoral position funded by the KIRI‑Fellow postdoc project grant for two years, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and available funding.
Application
Submit the following documents in English or Swedish through the Varbi recruitment system:
PhD certificate
Complete résumé, including date of thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
Cover letter (1–2 pages) describing your research interests and how they align with the project, your relevant experimental experience, and your motivation for joining the labs
Complete list of publications
Summary of current work (no more than one page)
Contact details for at least two references (or reference letters, if available)
Read more about KIRI here: https://ki.se/en/research/research-areas-centres-and-networks/research-networks-at-ki/ki-research-incubator-kiri
#J-18808-Ljbffr