PhD fellowship in Circadian Neuroendocrinology in Copenhagen

Updated: over 2 years ago
Deadline: 14 Nov 2021

We are offering a PhD fellowship in circadian neuroendocrinology commencing on 1 February, 2022 or as soon as possible hereafter.

Our group and research
Our research is focused on the 24h circadian system of the mammalian brain. We have a special interest in the circadian interplay between the endocrine system and circadian clocks in the brain.
You will be part of a young, friendly, energetic, highly productive and international research group, including postdocs, PhD-students and technical support. Daily contacts between PI and junior scientists and weekly lab meetings ensure frequent guidance. We discuss new data and project progress on a daily basis.

Our lab facilities are located in central Copenhagen.
Information on the department and our research group can be found at:  https://in.ku.dk/research/rath-lab/

Project description
Recent progress suggests that circadian hormones control circadian function of brain neurons. In this project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, our aim is to determine the role of rhythmic hormones in plasticity and large-scale gene expression in the cerebral cortex. Your main task will be to perform stereotaxic surgeries in brains of rats in combination with circadian infusion of hormones, namely melatonin and cortisol, by use of programmable micropumps. You will subsequently analyse the circadian profile by telemetric and behavorial techniques. The cerebral cortex will undergo extensive molecular biological and biochemical analyses. You will work closely with Professor Martin Fredensborg Rath and other group members.

We expect you to spend at least six months in the laboratories of our collaborators, professor Janne Grønli and professor Silje Skrede, at University of Bergen, Norway.

Principal supervisor isProfessor Martin Fredensborg Rath, Department of Neuroscience, e-mail [email protected] , direct phone 9356 5394.

Start:                1 February, 2022

Duration:         3 years as a PhD student

Job description
Your key tasks as a PhD student at SUND are:

  • Carry through an independent research project under supervision
  • Complete PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS points
  • Participate in active research environments including a stay at another research team
  • Obtain experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project
  • Teach and disseminate your knowledge
  • Write a PhD thesis on the grounds of your project


Key criteria for the assessment of applicants
Applicants must have qualifications corresponding to a master’s degree related to the subject area of the project e.g. molecular biomedicine, human biology, neuroscience, veterinary medicine, biomedicine, biology, biochemistry or medicine. As a prerequisite for a PhD fellowship employment, your master’s degree must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree. We encourage you to read more in the assessment database: https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/find-assessments/assessment-database . Please note that we might ask you to obtain an assessment of your education performed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science. Applicants with a Master´s degree from abroad should also enclose a short description of the grading scale used.

Other important criteria are:

  • Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
  • Previous publications
  • Relevant work experience
  • Permission to work with laboratory animals
  • Curious mind-set with a strong interest in circadian endocrinology and neurobiology
  • Language skills


Place of employment
The place of employment is at Department of Neuroscience, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment with short distance between the group leader and team members and strong local and international collaborations. Our research facilities include brand new laboratories and equipment designed to specifically meet the requirements of our projects, including this specific PhD project.

Also, you will be part our Graduate Program in Neuroscience hosting a number of highly popular scientific and social activities: https://neurograd.ku.dk  

Terms of employment
The employment as PhD fellow is full time and for 3 years.

It is conditioned upon the applicant’s success­ful enrolment as a PhD student at the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project.

The PhD study must be completed in accordance with The Ministerial Order on the PhD programme (2013) and the Faculty’s rules on achieving the degree. Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the agree­ment between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary begins around 27,800 DKK /approx. 3,700 EUR (October 2021-level) plus pension.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.
General information about PhD study at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences is available at the Graduate School’s website: https://healthsciences.ku.dk/phd/guidelines/

Application procedure
Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format: 

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)

2. CV incl. education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position

3. Certified copy of original Master of Science diploma and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in other language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.

4. Publication list (if possible)


Application deadline: 14 November, 2021, 23.59pm CET
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor.
The assessor makes a non-prioritized assessment of the academic qualifications and experience with respect to the above-mentioned area of research, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in the advertisement.
Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 48.

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences comprises approximately 7500 students, 1500 PhD students and 3200 employees. The Faculty advances the field of health sciences through its core activities: research, teaching, knowledge sharing and communication. With basic research fields ranging from molecular studies to studies of society, the Faculty contributes to a healthy future through its graduates, research findings and inventions benefitting patients and the community. The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position. 


Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.



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