Job ID: 118833

3 Postdoctoral positions – Vagnoni lab

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 17 May 2024

Contract Length: Three years, renewable for periods of one year, up to a maximum of six years

City: Coimbra

Country: Portugal

Institution: University of Coimbra

Department: Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing

Description:

The Vagnoni Lab explores the complexity of neuronal biology, focusing on understanding how intracellular trafficking influences neuronal function, and its role in healthy aging and neurodegeneration.

The post holders will develop research activities within the scope of Fly Coimbra Lab (FlyCab), a newly developed facility at the Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing at the University of Coimbra. The work to be carried out will initially aim to interrogate the Drosophila genome using genome engineering in a quest to find new geroprotectors and, throughout the project, may be combined with in vivo and in vitro approaches using Drosophila melanogaster and mammalian cell culture models. The research activities will employ several research techniques, including Drosophila genetics, advanced microscopy, Drosophila and mammalian cell culture, biochemistry, molecular biology, optogenetics and behavioural assays.

For selected recent publications see:

  • Sleigh et al., 2023. Age-specific and compartment-dependent changes in mitochondrial homeostasis and cytoplasmic viscosity in mouse peripheral neurons. bioRxiv.
  • Mattedi et al., 2023. Optogenetic cleavage of the Miro GTPase reveals the direct consequences of real-time loss of function in Drosophila. PloS Biology.
  • Mattedi et al., 2019. Temporal control of axonal transport: the extreme case of organismal ageing. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience.
  • Mórotz et al., 2019. Kinesin light chain-1 serine-460 phosphorylation is altered in Alzheimer’s disease and regulates axonal transport and processing of the amyloid precursor protein. Acta Neuropathol Commun.
  • Vagnoni et al., 2018. A cAMP/PKA/Kinesin-1 Axis Promotes the Axonal Transport of Mitochondria in Ageing Drosophila neurons. Current Biology.
  • Vagnoni et al., 2016. A simple method for imaging axonal transport in ageing neurons using the adult Drosophila wing. Nature Protocols.

Key experience and competencies

Candidates must have experience working with Drosophila and proven knowledge in the field of neurobiology and/or cell biology. Experience with live cell microscopy and/or genome engineering would be advantageous but not essential.

Candidates must have leadership skills and proficiency in the written and spoken English language.

About the Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing

The University of Coimbra (UC), established in 1290, stands as a global beacon of higher education and scientific excellence. The Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing (www.uc.pt/mia) is the first Centre of Excellence devoted to the molecular and biological basis of ageing in Southern Europe.

Our aim is to bridge the gap between fundamental research and its translation into human intervention, with a mission to improve the health and wellbeing of the ageing population. Comprising a growing number of talented and diverse research groups, MIA fosters innovation in an optimal environment, with relocation to a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility equipped with cutting-edge technology taking place in early 2025. Our culture encourages multidisciplinary collaboration, complemented by a robust commitment to advanced teaching and public engagement.

MIA is being formed through a Horizon 2020 Teaming partnership with the University of Newcastle, the University Medical Center Groningen, our tech transfer specialists Instituto Pedro Nunes, and the Regional Authority. This collaborative effort reflects our dedication to advancing research, knowledge exchange, and international outlook in ageing-related studies.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for these roles, please apply via https://apply.uc.pt/.

  • The job reference is IT057-24-13903.
  • All necessary documents and evaluation process are detailed in the full job description (Edital).
  • The closing date for applications is 17  May 2024 at 23:59
  • The application must be submitted in English.
  • Offers of employment to candidates who hold a foreign doctoral degree are subject to recognition or registration (as applicable) of their degree at the time of contract signing. More information: https://www.uc.pt/en/academicos/graus/reconhecimentos
  • Informal enquiries can be made to secretaria.mia@uc.pt