Applications are invited for the three-year fellowship from applicants who hold or expect to hold a master´s degree in a field relevant to the following project: Modelling the ischemic blood-brain barrier, investigations of drug transport proteins and barrier properties.
Project description :
- There is a large unmet need for new CNS medicines. The major obstacle hindering development of new treatments, is the blood brain barrier.
- The blood-brain barrier blocks passage of the majority of small molecule compounds, and practically all macromolecules.
- We therefore study the properties of the blood-brain barrier in vitro in primary brain cell cultures, in order to evaluate whether receptor-mediated transcytosis can be employed to ferry drug compounds across the barrier.
- The present project focuses on the development of in vitro models of the ischemic blood-brain barrier.
An in vitro ischemia model will be constructed, with the dual purpose of
- generate a cell culture model which can reflect the changes in the blood-brain barrier permeability to drug compounds which occur during- and following and ischemic event and
- generate a tool which can be used for mechanistic studies of the properties of ischemic blood-brain barrier.
Bovine brain endothelial cells co-cultured with rat astrocytes under normal conditions will subsequently be exposed to different grades of low oxygen tension, increased CO2 and low media glucose concentrations.
The effect of experimentally modeled ischemia will be validated with regard to tissue morphology, expression of receptors, transporters and tight junction proteins using real-time PCR, western blotting and immunocytochemistry in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy.
The project will be carried out in collaboration with national and international partners and a stay abroad will be a part of the project.
Required Qualifications :
The applicant must have obtained a Master´s degree in a relevant subject area prior to the starting date fluency in English and excellent communication skills experience with cell culture techniques.
Preferred qualifications :
- We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a background in Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Neuropharmacology, Cell Biology, molecular biology or similar.
- The ideal candidate will be experienced in cell culture techniques and molecular biology techniques (real-time PCR, western blotting).
- A solid background knowledge of neuropharmacology and Cell Biology will also be considered an asset.
- As to personal skills, critical reflection, the ability to set goals and reach them, and entrepreneur spirit, will be advantageous.
How to apply :
Applicants are requested to submit their application electronically below including (in word or pdf):
- Cover letter: Letter stating the interest and qualifications for the project (max. one page)
- Full CV
- Diploma and transcripts of records: Master´s degree diploma (including grade transcripts for bachelor´s and master´s degrees). Applicants with a Master´s degree from abroad should also enclose a short description of the grading scale used
- Possible publication list
- Other information to consider: Possible references and recommendations
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Deadline for applications : 15 February 2014. Please note that only online applications will be accepted.
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