PhD position to study microglial role in the environment-plasticity-behaviour interaction

29 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Vilnius University

Department

Life Science Center

Research Field

Neurosciences » Neurobiology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Lithuania

Application Deadline

24 Jun 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Vilnius)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

1 Oct 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Mental health disorders, in particular major depressive disorder or anxiety disorder, are among the most important health problems worldwide, causing severe individual suffering and a massive socio-economic burden for society. Since the onset and progression of both disorders are highly affected by contextual factors, the proposed PhD project will investigate neuroplasticity as an underlying mechanism in both resilience and vulnerability, depending on the environmental context. The aim of the project will be to elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the environment-behaviour interaction with particular focus on brain immune cells microglia and their interaction with neuronal cells. As microglia are emerging cellular target for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, due to their critical role in regulating neuroplasticity, the project will evaluate microglial synaptic pruning in the models of mental health resilience and vulnerability.
PhD student will join an established international consortium that includes scientific groups from Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland and Finland. This network has a dedicated exchange program for PhD students, ensuring internships in the lab of another consortium member to foster advanced training on research approaches. PhD student will be included in a designated consortium mentorship program that will provide guidance, support, and advice throughout the research project.

Requirements

Research Field

Neurosciences » Neurobiology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Research Field

Neurosciences » NeurobiologyBiological sciences » Biology

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Additional Information
Benefits

Four-year position, €12,000 annual stipend (exempted from tax), €3500 annual fund for research activities, mobility, and the development of general competences.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must have a Master’s qualification degree or a higher education degree equivalent to it.

Detailed information: https://www.vu.lt/en/studies/doctoral-studies/admission

Selection process

The interview will take place on 28 June at 9 am R-103 (LSC, Saulėtekio al. 7).

The interview will be held on the topic chosen for dissertation. The interview will be evaluated on the basis of the applicant's research competence, motivation in choosing the dissertation topic, theoretical background and initial methodological skills.

Applicants' research experience is assessed on the basis of their published research work and participation at international research conferences. Points are awarded for:

0.25 points for each published research article in a Lithuanian journal;

1 point for each research article published in a peer-reviewed WoS journal;

0.1 point for a paper at a national conference;

0.2 point for a paper at an international conference.

 

Detailed information: https://www.gmc.vu.lt/en/doctoral-school/admission

Website for additional job details

https://www.gmc.vu.lt/en/doctoral-school/admission

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

VU-EMBL Partnership Institute, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University

Country

Lithuania

City

Vilnius

Postal Code

10257

Street

Sauletekio al. 7

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Website

https://is.vu.lt/pls/dokt/isas.register?p_kalba=en

Contact

City

Vilnius

Website

http://www.gmc.vu.lt/en/

Street

Sauletekio ave. 7

Postal Code

LT-10257

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED