The University of Helsinki, founded in 1640, is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. The university has an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members. Neuroscience Center in the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HILIFE) is an independent research organization. Research in Neuroscience Center spans scales from molecular and cellular neuroscience to developmental, cognitive, and systems neuroscience.

The recently established Hartung lab at the Neuroscience Center has a strong interest in the developmental origin of neuropsychiatric disorders. The research is carried out in rodent models to investigate how early-life risk factors impact the ongoing maturation of networks underlying emotional behaviors.

To complete our international team we are looking for

a POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN NEUROPHYSIOLOGY

starting between August-October 2021 or as soon as the best applicant is available.

The researcher will work on the ongoing project “Early-life stress and psychiatric disorders: Development of the serotonergic system in depression and anxiety disorders” funded by the Academy of Finland. The main objectives of the successful candidate will be to investigate the functional development of serotonergic neurons after birth stress and to test the effect of altered serotonin levels during development on networks underlying emotional behavior. The research will be carried out in rodent models using mainly in vivo electrophysiological recording techniques. We are looking for a highly motivated, determined and innovative researcher to join our team.

The work duties of the selected candidate include:

• Performing In vivo electrophysiological recordings (single units, local-field potentials) in rodent models;
• Analyses of electrophysiological data (time-series), including statistical analyses;
• Histology including Immunocytochemistry;
• Anatomical tract tracing;
• Publication of results in international scientific journals;
• Supervision of students or laboratory interns;

The position offers a great opportunity to perform collaborative research in an international environment. The candidate is offered access to state-of-the-art methodologies and techniques, appropriate supervision and help in career advancement.

Qualification requirements are

• Applicants must hold a PhD in neuroscience or related fields;
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken;
• Thorough training and experience in electrophysiology in rodents;
• Rodent surgery skills;
• Experience in time-series analysis (spike data, local-field potentials);
• Good programming skills (Matlab, Python);
• Prior international publications in renowned journals;
• Beneficial: Prior experience with optogenetics or chemogenetics, background in research on early-life stress and/or on the serotonergic system;

Salary and benefits

Salary will be based on the University salary system for teaching and research personnel, and composed of both task related and personal performance components. The starting salary will be approximately €3200 /month or higher, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. The position with a six-month trial period will be for 2 years. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development.

How to apply

Please submit the application through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on “Apply for the position”. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) please submit your applications through the SAP HR portal. The closing date is 31.05.2021.

Please attach the following documents in your application (as a single PDF file):

• Personal statement outlining your motivation to apply, your research experience and relevant skills for the position;
• CV;
• List of publications;
• Contact information of 2 referees;
• Academic certificates;

Informal enquiries should be sent to henrike.hartung@helsinki.fi

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact HR Specialist Anu Roine (anu.roine@helsinki.fi). Technical support regarding the recruitment system: rekrytointi@helsinki.fi.

For an outline of the group’s research:
https://www.helsinki.fi/en/hilife-neuroscience-center/research/research-...

Due date

31.05.2021 23:59 EEST