Karolinska Institutet Postdoctoral Scholarship

This postdoctoral scholarship at Karolinska Institutet offers a unique opportunity to join the Lopez laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience, Solna campus, focusing on psychedelic therapies for depression through a translational neuroscience approach. The Neurobiology of Stress and Treatment Response Research Group, led by Assistant Professor Juan Pablo Lopez, investigates the behavioral, physiological, and molecular mechanisms underlying the rapid and long-term effects of psychedelic compounds. The lab specializes in cutting-edge methodologies, including high-throughput transcriptomics, viral gene manipulation, animal models of stress, and automated behavioral tracking systems.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will play a leading role in experimental design, execution, data analysis, and dissemination of research findings. The project involves experiments in mice to identify and characterize the molecular and physiological effects associated with the antidepressant effects of various psychedelic compounds. Techniques include viral activity-dependent labelling, single cell RNA-sequencing, advanced behavioral tracking, and wireless physiological monitoring. The position offers access to collaborations with internationally recognized European researchers and centers specializing in psychedelic research, both preclinical and clinical, through networks such as ECNP and PSY-NET.

Applicants must be foreign researchers (not resident or educated in Sweden) and hold a doctoral degree or equivalent scientific competence in neuroscience or related fields. Essential qualifications include experience with automated behavioral tracking and pose estimation tools (e.g. DeepLabCut, SLEAP), high proficiency in programming and data analysis (Python and/or R), and hands-on expertise in animal models of stress and anxiety. Additional skills in machine learning, large-scale data analysis, telemetry device implantation, neuroendocrinology, pharmacology, stereotaxic brain surgeries, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and brain dissection are highly valued. FELASA certification or equivalent training in laboratory animal science is required. Strong organizational skills, independence, teamwork, and excellent English communication and scientific writing abilities are essential.

The scholarship is tax-free, set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis, and can be held for a maximum of two years within a four-year period following receipt of a doctoral degree. The Lopez laboratory is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusiveness, encouraging applicants from diverse backgrounds. Karolinska Institutet provides a creative and inspiring environment with access to state-of-the-art experimental and computational infrastructure, mentorship, and an established international network in psychedelic research. Students and employees also benefit from free access to modern gym facilities.

To apply, submit your application via the Varbi recruitment system by June 16, 2026. Required documents include a complete CV, list of publications, and a summary of current work (no more than one page) in English. Ensure all doctoral requirements are fulfilled before the intended start date. For further information, contact Assistant Professor Juan Pablo Lopez at [email protected].