GDIIST——Job Postings for the Laboratory of Cognition and Aging

Introduction

The Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology (GDIIST) is a provincial non-profit institution established in Guangdong Province. It focuses on multidisciplinary research in cognitive science, artificial intelligence, computer science, information technology and other fields. GDIIST aims to promote the transformation of achievements in brain science, bio-medicine, computational intelligence, information technology and so on.

Dan Larhammar's research group named “Laboratory of Cognition and Aging”, which will be pursued in two lines to explore the mechanisms of learning and memory. One line is focused on different types of glutamate receptors and their intricate regulation by several proteins. The other line aims to unveil the functional roles of glycosaminoglycans such as heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate in learning and ageing. Transgenic zebrafish and mouse models are utilized along with studies in cultured cells.

Single-cell RNA-seq analyses identify cell populations and genes involved in long-term memory. Spatial transcriptomic analyses identify key molecules expressed in the brain regions relevant to learning and memory. Behavioral memory studies are done using wildtype and genetically modified zebrafish. The mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease are investigated using both mouse and zebrafish as model systems.

Personal Profile

Dan Larhammar received his PhD degree in medical science at Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, in 1984. He then studied neuropeptide Y (NPY), a multifunctional neuropeptide with strong stimulatory effect on appetite. After one year as visiting scientist at the Research Institute of Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California, his work focused on cloning and molecular pharmacology of receptors for NPY. His laboratory discovered several NPY receptors. His research then broadened to exploration of the molecular evolution of eyes in vertebrates and the origin of rods and cones in the retina. Numerous neurotransmitters and hormones and their receptors have been investigated with regard to their evolution in vertebrates. One project concerned the dopamine receptors involved in Parkinson's disease. Since several years he studies the molecular mechanisms for learning and long-term memory. Key players in this machinery are glutamate receptors of the AMPA and NMDA families and several proteins that regulate or are affected by these.

Dan Larhammar was appointed professor of molecular cell biology in the Faculty of Medicine at Uppsala University in 1994. He was elected to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 2007 and served as president of the Academy 2018-2022. He is a fellow of the International Science Council and a member of the European Academy. He has a strong interest in the distinction of science versus pseudoscience and has also investigated research fraud.

Associate Professor（2 positions）

Responsibilities

1. Demonstrate strong research capabilities;

2. Actively apply for research projects, such as National Natural Science Foundation of China, collaboratively undertake significant research projects with the group leader, and publish papers in important SCI journals in the related fields;

3. Assist in guiding other lab members in conducting related research projects;

4. Complete other tasks assigned by the group leader.

Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in relevant fields such as Biology, Medicine, Neurobiology;

2. Work experience in research areas such as Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, or Bioinformatics;

3. Proven record of influential original research achievements in the discipline, having the experience of leading provincial or national research projects, along with the strong team leadership skills and scientific research organizational capability;

4. Published multiple research papers as the first author or corresponding author in prominent academic journals;

5. Have good English reading and writing skills, along with strong communication abilities and a spirit of teamwork.

Benefits

1. Salary on an annual basis, starting at 650,000 RMB (pre-tax);

2. Provide a one-year apartment in the designated area;

3. Assist in applying for various talent subsidies from government, including living and housing allowances.

Postdoctoral fellow(multiple positions)

Responsibilities

1. Demonstrate a certain level of independent research capability and complete postdoctoral research tasks as planned;

2. Actively apply for research projects, such as the National Natural Science Foundation and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, collaboratively undertake significant research projects with the group leader, and publish papers in important SCI journals in the related fields;

3. Assist other lab members in conducting related research projects;

4. Complete other tasks assigned by the group leader.

Qualifications

1. Hold or expect to obtain a Ph.D. in relevant fields such as Biology, Medicine, Neurobiology, with publications as the first author in SCI journals in the relevant field;

2. Have some experience in research areas such as Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, or Bioinformatics;

3. Possess the ability to work independently, be open to new ideas, and demonstrate active scientific thinking;

4. Have good English reading and writing skills, along with strong communication abilities and a spirit of teamwork.

Benefits

Postdoctoral living allowances will enjoy the overlap of favorable policies from national, provincial, and municipal levels. It will fund for two years. The total personal annual income of salary and living allowance for postdoctoral researchers starts at 520,000 RMB (pre-tax).

Other Beniefits

1. Social Insurance

In accordance with relevant Guangdong Province policies, the institute will pay the pension insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance, work-related injury insurance, and housing provident fund for employees. The employee's personal contribution will be deducted from their monthly salary by the institute. Other benefits and treatment will follow national regulations.

2. Tax Refund Incentive

According to relevant regulations, employees paying personal income tax in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin are eligible for a certain percentage of tax refund benefits.

3. Housing and Living Allowance

Based on the relevant documents such as the "Notice on the Application for the 2024 Living Subsidy for Education-Based, Professional, and Skilled Talents in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin", employees may receive a subsidy ranging from 60,000 to 270,000 RMB, depending on their educational background, professional titles, and national occupational qualifications. The institute will assist in the application for various talent subsidies, with the specific subsidy details and amounts subject to the latest talent policies of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

The institute will also assist in arranging the rental of  apartments in the area where the institute locates.

4. Household Registration and Children's Education

In accordance with relevant regulations, the institute will assist in obtaining Zhuhai/Hengqin household registration and help with the arrangement of children's schooling.

Contact Us

Please provide a complete personal resume, degree certificates, representative research papers, a summary of past research achievements combined into one PDF document, full electronic versions of published papers, and materials proving your academic/professional competence. Candidates who meet the requirements will be scheduled for an interview. Please note that application materials will not be returned, and confidentiality will be maintained by the Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology (GDIIST).

Applicants should send their materials to the email address:

linqijiao@gdiist.cn. The subject of the email is suggested to described as "Laboratory of Cognition and Aging- Position Applied For - Name".

For an introduction to Hengqin, please click the attached "Hengqin Guidebook.pdf".Hengqin Guidebook.pdf

This recruitment notice will remain valid until the positions are filled.