PhD student in Neurochemistry at the Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences

Uppsala University, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences

The Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences belongs to the Medical Faculty and conducts extensive research through our 11 research groups, including areas such as public health science, caring science, speech pathology, and bioethics. Additionally, the department offers education within the medical program, nursing programs, speech pathology program, master’s program in public health, as well as several other courses. We have a total of approximately 370 staff members, including our associated researchers and doctoral students. Read more here.

The employee will work as part of Molecular Geriatrics, whose activities are carried out at the Rudbeck laboratory. The focus group that the employee will be part of does interdisciplinary work using with stem cells and multiomics analyzes as a starting point.

Our work is executed in collaboration with two other departments, which facilitates collaborations with research groups in biology, pharmacy, medicine and SciLifeLab and gives access to advanced infrastructure for experimental and theoretical studies. The international environment and good opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations enables PhD students at the department to participate in relevant research projects and prepare for an international research career.

This PhD project in Neurochemistry aims to study the role metabolic tumor microenvironment plays in the progression of brain tumors. In this project, the student will work with the characterization of metabolic processes in complex human-derived models using cutting-edge metabolic/lipidomic assessment tool, including those applicable for single-cell characterization. The focus will lie on mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and co-culture systems of healthy and tumor cells (2D and 3D). The overall goal is to develop analytical/biochemical tools, and as an outcome, gain a better understanding of the intricate relationships between spatial and temporal control of metabolites, energy flux, and the broader role local microenvironments play in the function cellular networks in the context of brain tumors.

Our highly interdisciplinary team works at the interface of Chemistry and Biology, and outside neurooncology, also works with neurological diseases relevant to neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. We carry expertise in genetic engineering, stem cell biology, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry. 

At the moment we are looking for someone with a background primarily within chemistry-related areas and preferably with strong background in MS data processing. As a candidate, you are highly motivated, enthusiastic, and have a passion for investigating neurological diseases. Depending on the background of the selected candidate, cell culture work comprises a bigger/smaller portion of work duties.

The doctoral position refers to own full-time studies for a maximum of 4 years. Holders of doctoral employment must primarily devote themselves to their own research training. Other service at the institution, which relates to education and administrative work, may be included within the framework of the employment (max. 20%).

• To be eligible for doctoral education, a basic higher education equivalent to at least 240 ECTS credits, including at least 60 ECTS credits at Master’s level, including an independent project equivalent to at least 15 credits, or has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way, is required. 
• Very good English proficiency in speech and writing

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as good collaborative skills, motivation and independence, as well as how the applicant through his/her experience and competence is judged to have the abilities necessary to develop within and acquire the doctoral education.

It is desired that you have a Master of Science or Engineering degree in chemistry, pharmacy or similar experience. The successful candidate will preferably have laboratory experience working with Chemical Biology or similar.

Experimental experience of working with mass spectrometry (MS) or imaging mass spectrometry in biological contexts is highly meritorious. So is also experience with mass spectrometry data processing/bioinformatics.

The application must be written in English and contain a personal letter that covers the following:

• Brief description of yourself and the reason why you want to attend a postgraduate course, if you already have any experience in the subject, or techniques you think may be relevant, mention this.
• CV, copies of diplomas and grades, thesis and a list of any scientific publications
• Contact information to at least two reference persons
  (letters of recommendation, can be attached)

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University’s rules and guidelines .

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact:

Dr Wojciech Michno

Phone: 018-4715060, E-mail: [email protected]

Please submit your application by 12th of April 2024, UFV-PA 2024/400.

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