IdiPAZ seeks candidates for MSCA-PF-2021 in neurodegenerative diseases.

The aging of the population poses a growing burden in society. Aging is associated with the appearance of different neurodegenerative diseases, among which we can find amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and tauopathies (like Alzheimer’s disease). The development of advanced biological markers, new drugs and appropriate technology is the key to establishing a treatment for ALS and tauopathies, which currently have no therapy. In our laboratory we study the molecular basis of neurodegeneration. Our research projects have a multidisciplinary approach that combines basic and translational research, using cell culture techniques, murine models and post-mortem samples from patients with ALS or tauopathies.

We are looking for proactive, autonomous young doctors from the fields of computational modelling of new chemicals, pharmacology and mathematics who can provide us with new insight for the understanding of these neurodegenerative diseases and the search for new drugs to combat them. Our group aims to meet this challenge with innovative ideas, based on the modulation of the activity of two of the members of the serine/threonine kinase family: receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1). For the accomplishment of this project, a cutting-edge methodology is envisaged. We want to combine image techniques, molecular biology (pathological characterisation of molecular markers) with multistep systems biology approach (RNA-seq and gene network analysis). Next, we aspire to discover, synthesize and evaluate new small molecules capable of selectively modulating RIPK1 and SGK1. Finally, we expect to evaluate the efficacy of these molecules in preclinical trials in murine models of tauopathies and ALS. The results obtained will allow to deepen the molecular connection networks involved in these pathologies by applying OMIC technologies. Together, our vision aims to increase knowledge in different aspects of neurodegeneration, which may be transferred to the clinic, to achieve a healthy aging of our society.

Documents to be sent before 31/05/2021:

• Curriculum vitae (2 pages maximum)
• Letter of motivation (1 page maximum)