Job ID: 119030

Postdoc Position in Microglia Biology

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 30 June 2024

Employment Start Date: 1 September 2024

Contract Length: 1 year, with possibility of renewal

City: Lausanne

Country: Switzerland

Institution: University of Lausanne

Department: Department of Biomedical Sciences

Description:

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to study the role of TDP-43 in the control of microglial function.

Microglia, the innate immune cells of the central nervous system, play important functions in the healthy and diseased brain. Several genes associated with neurodegeneration are highly expressed in microglia, and recent evidence suggests that these cells can critically influence the onset and course of brain diseases. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms are not entirely clear.
TDP-43 is a highly conserved DNA/RNA binding protein involved in RNA metabolism. Cytoplasmic aggregates of TDP-43 and loss of its nuclear function are common features in neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
In this project, we will investigate the role of TDP-43 as a modulator of different microglial functions. In particular, we will focus on the effects on phagocytic capacity and lipid metabolism, to study how microglial TDP-43 regulation contributes to neurodegeneration.

 

Your responsibilities

The project aims at investigating how the loss of function of TDP-43, selectively in microglia, affects lipid metabolism and myelination in pathological models (demylination induced by LPC). We will combine in vivo (TDP-43 microglial cKO mice) and ex vivo/in vitro models (organotypic slices and primary microglia cultures) with biochemical and histological approaches, confocal imaging, lipidomics and scRNA sequencing.

 

Your qualifications

  • Full habilitation to work with animals is a must.
  • Expertise in microglia biology and lipid metabolism is highly appreciated.
  • Candidates are required to be fluent in written and spoken English.
  • The ideal candidate should have a strong background in neurobiology, be highly motivated, and able to work independently.

 

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.09.2024

Contract length : 1 year with possibility of renewal

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : UNIL, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Prof. Rosa C. Paolicelli

 

What the position offers you

The University of Lausanne is a higher teaching and research institution composed of seven faculties where approximately 15,000 students and nearly 5,000 collaborators, professors, and researchers work and study. Ideally situated along the lake of Geneva, near Lausanne’s city center, its campus brings together over 120 nationalities.

 

Your application

Please, apply via the official UNIL Platform at the following link: UNIL LINK for application

providing your CV, a cover letter and two reference letters.

Important! Only applications through the UNIL website will be taken into account.

Contact for further information: rosachiara.paolicelli@unil.ch