Postdoctoral Researchers - Autophagy and Metabolism

Postdoctoral Researchers - Autophagy and Metabolism

University of Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland

The McWilliams Lab investigates physiological autophagy, a membrane-driven lysosomal degradation pathway essential for cell, circuit and tissue homeostasis. Impairments in autophagy and lysosomal function are causally linked to neurodegeneration and age-related pathology. We use integrative multiscale approaches to define the mechanistic interplay between autophagy and metabolism and determine how this relationship impacts neural integrity in health and disease. Our ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

The opportunity

We are recruiting two Postdoctoral Researchers to advance ambitious projects that dissect the molecular logic of circuit and tissue integrity. The projects build on our recent advances in brain aging (Rappe et al., The EMBO Journal, 2024), metabolic regulation (Long et al., The EMBO Journal, 2022), and human neurological disease (Collier et al., The New England Journal of Medicine, 2021). You will work with the PI and lab members to apply newly developed tools and leverage unpublished datasets to design and execute rigorous functional studies in vitro and in vivo. In addition to developing yourself scientifically within an internationally competitive environment, you will receive regular feedback and strategic mentoring to support research excellence, professional development, and preparation for your next career stage.

Your profile

• Recent PhD in Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry or a related discipline;
• A strong academic track record, and at least one recent first-author publication (accepted or in press) in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed journal;
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in working with one of the following:
  • Mammalian cell culture systems and discovery biology (cell biology is advantageous);
  • Mouse models and functional in vivo profiling approaches (neurobiology is advantageous; however, training can be provided if necessary).
• A genuine team player who values collective success and contributes positively to the lab culture;
• Highly organised, methodical, and self-directed, with the capacity to advance complex projects with clarity and momentum;
• An open and collaborative approach to trainee development and mentorship within the team;
• Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments to a high technical standard, with strong data analysis and interpretation skills;
• Excellent communication skills and a strong command of written and spoken English;
• A clear intellectual interest in organelle biology and its relevance to neuroscience and biomedicine.

Preferred qualifications

• Demonstrated competence with core molecular biology techniques (including vector design, genome-targeting strategies, and PCR-based workflows);
• Experience with viral delivery, transduction, functional perturbations, and rescue experiments;
• Experience in biochemical and/or histological profiling of cell- and tissue-specific phenotypes;
• Confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis expertise;
• Evidence of sustained productivity with technically demanding research projects;
• Prior experience in either modern neurobiology or organelle biochemistry would be highly desirable.