PhD Scholarship in iPS modelling of neurodevelopmental disorders

Updated: 11 months ago
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 02 Jun 2023

We are looking for a highly motivated computational PhD student for a 3-year position, to join the group of Associate Professor Kedar Natarajan from the 1 October 2022 or soon thereafter.

Our group investigates mechanisms underlying cell-fate decisions in stem cells (ES/iPS) and complex tissues, particularly in development and during differentiation. We work with isogenic and patient-derived iPS from neurodevelopmental disorders, and iPS differentiation to CNS cell types. We also develop and utilize experimental single-cell methods (scRNA-seq, ATAC-seq and spatial transcriptomics), and also develop computational approaches for analysis of next-generation sequencing data. Our science and team is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary, and welcomes new members with competences in relevant fields.

More details can be found at: DTU group page (http://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/Kedar-Natarajan )

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will be mainly involved in deriving isogenic and patient derived iPS cell lines and developing protocols for in vitro differentiation of iPS to specific CNS cell types. The candidate will perform molecular and functional characterization on differentiated cells and apply bulk, single-cell sequencing methods.
Alongside project, you will be involved in data analysis supporting ongoing lab projects.

The candidate should have a master’s degree in neuroscience, stem cell biology, molecular biology, or related discipline, with strong experience using human ES/iPS cell culture and differentiation to CNS cell types. Experience with bulk and single-cell sequencing methods and computational analysis is highly desirable. As a part of a multidisciplinary team and research environment, the candidate is expected to be passionate about science, hardworking, learning oriented and work collectively within the group and with collaborators.

Profile
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic researcher with following competences:

Essential experience and skills:

  • Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Stem cell biology, Molecular biology or related discipline
  • Proven experience with human ES/iPS culture and iPS differentiation to neurons and glial cells.
  • Proven experience with molecular biology assays and immunostaining.
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English and ability to work in collaborative environment.

Desirable experience and skills:

  • Experience in bulk or single-cell sequencing methods.
  • Experience with co-culture and organoids culture systems for CNS cell types.
  • Computational experience incl. analysis of bulk and/or single-cell datasets.
  • Experience with different graphical packages for scientific manuscripts and illustration.
  • Contribution to peer-reviewed publications.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

You will be primarily based at DTU Bioengineering and interact locally with other bioinformatics colleagues and groups at Bioengineering and DTU Health Technology, as well as our national, international partners. A collaborative mindset is expected as well as a proven ability to work in teams and communicate scientific research through presentations and submitted manuscripts. Working independently and charting research direction are valued. If you are highly driven, you will have opportunities to write grants for further strengthening research opportunities and participate in the broader collaborations.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education .

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Kedar Natarajan together with relevant project partners.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Assoc. Prof. Kedar Natarajan ([email protected])
You can read more about the lab at http://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/Kedar-Natarajan and DTU Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/english
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 2 June 2023(Danish time).

Apply at: PhD Scholarship in iPS modelling of neurodevelopmental disorders

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

  • Cover/motivation letter of application, with description of past research activities, relevant competences and how you will fit the group (max. 2 pages).
  • CV incl. education, work/research experience and skills relevant for the position.
  • Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale.
  • List of publications.
  • Contact information for 3 referees.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science industry and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.



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