A Postdoc Scholarship in Non-Visual Photoreception

A Postdoctoral Scholarship is available in the laboratory of Prof. Lena Gunhaga at Medical and Translational Biology , Umeå University, Sweden. We are seeking a highly motivated applicant for a position in the fields of photoreceptors, molecular biology and neurobiology. The ideal candidate is expected to work both independently and as part of an interactive team.

The full-time scholarship is for 1+1 years (with a possible extension for a third year).
Starting date: Earliest 15th of September 2025 and latest 15th of January 2026.
Scholarship: 360 000 SEK/year tax free (~ 32 900 Euro; ~ 35 800 USD).

Project Description

Beyond vision few studies have examined the role of light as signals to regulate development and function of different parts of the body. The identification of Opsin3 (Opn3), Opn4 and Opn5, as photoreceptors not directly involved in image-forming vision has opened up for non-visual opsin studies. Our recent publication, using GFP reporter mice, provides evidence of early embryonic expression of Opsin 3 (Davies et al., eNeuro, 2021). This complements previous knowledge from my lab regarding how signaling molecules regulate the development of the nervous system (Sjödal et al, Dev. Cell, 2007; Pandit et al., Development, 2015; Palaniappan et al., Development, 2018). The overall focus of this project is to understand the molecular mechanisms that control light- and opsin-dependent development and function of the nervous and metabolic systems.

The applicant will investigate how non-visual opsin signaling affects embryonic development into adulthood. The applicant will unravel photoreceptive pathways using mouse as a model system. Methods used in the lab include various in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo approaches, as well as functional and behavioral studies of relevant opsin knockout mice, transcriptome analyses and 2D and 3D image analyses, the latter using OPT and LSFM. The study also requires routinely used developmental and molecular biology methods, such as cloning of expression constructs, genotyping, immunohistochemistry, RNA in situ hybridization and statistical analyses.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have a PhD in molecular or developmental biology, neurosciences, photoreceptor biology, 3D-imaging or a similar scientific field. A thorough theoretical and practical training in molecular and cell biology is a prerequisite, with knowledge within the fields of photoreceptor and/or neural biology being desirable. Practical experience with model systems for the study of vertebrate embryogenesis, behavioral mouse studies, 3D imaging (OPT or LSFM) and photoentrainment is an advantage. The applicant should be proficient in written and spoken English, and have good computer skills (e.g Word, Photoshop, BioRender, Excel). Also, it is important that the candidate demonstrates independence, as well as organizational, collaborative, communication and problem-solving skills.

To apply for this position, please submit a single PDF (max 5 pages) including:

Please submit the single PDF to lena.gunhaga@umu.se  by the 1st of July 2025 at the latest.

We look forward to receiving your application!