PhD in neuroscience focusing on feeding behavior

The laboratory of Olof Lagerlöf at Umeå University in Sweden is seeking one Ph.D. student to study the neurobiology of feeding behavior. It is a four-year full-time position aiming towards Ph.D. certification. The position starts in January 2022 or per agreement.

We belong to the Unit for Psychiatry of the Institution of Clinical Sciences and Medical Faculty at Umeå University.

At Umeå University you will experience an attractive and creative academic and research environment that is characterized by excellence, innovation, openness and diversity. We rank among the top universities in the world and are committed to providing our employees with unique opportunities for professional and personl development. More than 2000 researchers and 34 700 students have chosen Umeå University already. You are welcome too!

Project description

We are seeking a PhD student to study how the brain regulates food intake. We approach food intake on a molecular, neuronal circuit and behavioral level. Our goal is to analyze food intake from molecule to mind deciphering how the brain encodes mental states such as hunger and satiety. As a Ph.D. student in our group you will be trained to lead a project asking how the brain regulates food intake. Focus will be discovering novel neuro-molecular mechanisms by which neurons in the brain communicate to influence what, when and how much we eat. You will learn how to analyze molecular function, how to map and manipulate neuronal circuits and decipher animal behavior. Most experiments will include animals, either mice or rats. For motivated candidates it is possible to develop the project to investigate eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and obesity. Doing your Ph.D. in our group will give you critical insight to why we eat in the way we do and a versatile platform for future careers in science.

Terms of employment

The appointment aims at the Ph.D. degree and the main task of the Ph.D. student is to participate in the group’s research projects. The Ph.D. student shall also take postgraduate courses. In the assignments teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years full-time or up to five years when part-time teaching. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral employment at Umeå University. The position starts in January 2022 or per agreement.

Qualifications

We seek people excited about elucidating the neurobiology behind food intake.

Basic eligibility requirements: Applicants must hold a university degree at an advanced level of at least 240 credits (ECTS), including 60 credits at the advanced level, or equivalent levels of education otherwise acquired in Sweden or abroad.

Specific admission requirements:

1. Sufficient knowledge from university education and possibly professional experience to meet the requirements of the doctoral studies and complete the planned research project. Additionally, fundamental general knowledge about the clinical subject is required. If the applicant does not have sufficient such knowledge from previous education, then the applicant’s knowledge should be made sufficient by the help of lectures, auscultation and literature studies, and be examined individually prior to registration as a doctoral student. The group for doctoral studies of the institution evaluates in each case the applicant’s merits and whether these meet the knowledge requirements.

2. Necessary command of English. Command of English is assessed by the applicant giving an admission seminar in English at the institution or to the doctoral studies group at the institution.

Previous laboratory training in biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience or equivalent area is important. Experience with rodent surgery - particularly stereotactic virus injections – or primary neuronal cell culture is highly meritorious. Experience with western blotting, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry and animal behavior analyses are other sought qualifications. To be successful, candidates should enjoy working both independently and together with the group and work hard. Personal fit is emphasized.

The requirements must be fulfilled at the time of admission and do not have to be fulfilled at the time of application.

Further information

For further information about the project and position contact Assistant Professor Olof Lagerlöf at [email protected] .

Website: lagerloflab.com.

Application

The application should be written in English and include:

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Cover letter describing your research interests, why you want to work with us, how you can contribute to the lab and project and your career plans after the Ph.D.

3. Copy of your master thesis

4. List of publications (if any)

4. Certified copies of degree certificates

5. Certified list of university courses with grades. Note that for international applicants the grading system should be explained in brief

6. Two reference letters

Applications must be submitted via our e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 17 November 2021.

https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/open-positions/ph.d.-student-in-medic...

We look forward to your application!