Job ID: 123341

Postdoctoral Position – Neurovascular Alterations in Parkinson’s Disease at Lund University, Sweden

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 1 September 2025

Employment Start Date: 1 November 2025

Contract Length: 24 months with possibility for extension

City: Lund

Country: Sweden

Institution: Lund University

Department: Clinical Sciences

Description:

Project Summary

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position focused on investigating blood-brain barrier dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease, with a particular emphasis on pericyte pathology, neuroinflammation, and metabolic interactions. The project involves the use of in vitro and in vivo disease models, behavioral assays, and state-of-the-art molecular techniques.

Background: The brain has developed a dense network of almost 650 km of microvessels. The smallest entity is formed by capillaries that are in close contact with the surrounding parenchyma. This close connection between blood and brain, the neurovascular unit, consists of the microcapillary wall and cells in the immediate surrounding including perivascular astrocytes, perivascular microglia and neurons. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is formed by endothelial cells, pericytes, the basal lamina and by astrocytic endfeet. The integrity of the BBB is absolutely vital for normal neuronal function.

Pathological activation of pericytes, BBB disruption, pathological angiogenesis and vascular regression have all been observed in Parkinson’s disease patients and in models of the disease (for review see PMID: 35360216).

 

This is an excellent opportunity for recent PhD graduates to gain multidisciplinary expertise in neurovascular biology and neurodegeneration in a collaborative and well-resourced research environment (https://www.multipark.lu.se; https://www.wcmm.lu.se)

Key Techniques

  • Single-cell RNA sequencing
  • Bioinformatics
  • Immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging
  • Behavioral testing in animal models
  • Blood-brain barrier permeability assays
  • Cell isolation from brain tissue

Candidate Profile

  • Recent PhD in neuroscience, molecular biology, or a related field
  • to be eligible for the fellowship the PhD must be obtained within the last 3 years
  • Experience with Parkinson’s disease models, confocal microscopy and preferably bioinformatics
  • Strong interest in cerebrovascular mechanisms in neurodegeneration
  • Not previously employed at Lund University in the past 2 years

We Offer

  • A stimulating research environment within a leading neurovascular research group in Gesine Paul’s lab
  • Access to state-of-the-art imaging and molecular platforms
  • Professional development through journal clubs, mentoring, and training opportunities

Application Process

Send a single PDF including:

  • CV
  • PhD diploma
  • One-page cover letter (max) describing your motivation
  • List of publications
  • Contact details for two referees

More information please see:

https://www.intramed.lu.se/forska/anslag-och-stipendier/stipendier-fran-fakulteten

https://www.multipark.lu.se

https://www.wcmm.lu.se/gesine-paul-visse

https://portal.research.lu.se/en/organisations/translational-neurology-tny/persons/

https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/gesine-paul-visse

 

Submit applications in a single pdf file by email to: gesine.paul-visse@med.lu.se