PhD student in Neurochemistry

Ref. No. SU FV-1002-24

at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics . Closing date: 23 April 2024

The Department is mainly located with the other Departments of Chemistry and Life Sciences in the Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, which are situated in the northern part of the University Campus at Frescati. Some 300 people of which about 70 are PhD students work at the Department, engaged in internationally highly recognized research covering a broad range of subjects. 

Project description
Your studies in Neurochemistry will be in the project "The roles of transcription factors in early human brain development".

The PhD project is aiming to investigate roles of transcription factors in early human brain development with focus on mapping the targets and function of transcription factors. The student will use combination of cutting-edge single-cell and spatial epigenome mapping technologies together with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and bioinformatic data analysis to characterize known and unravel novel transcription factors important for human brain development. We employ state of the art in vitro model systems including human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells and 3D brain organoid cultures. The project is intended to be part wet-lab and part computational and can be partially tailored to the student’s interests. The computational expertise is present in the lab and training will be provided.

The laboratory of Dr. Marek Bartosovic studies epigenetic programs underlying gene expression changes during development and in disease. We have previously developed new technologies to investigate the epigenome at the single-cell resolution and in a multimodal way and also pioneered high resolution spatially-resolved epigenomics on the DBiT platform. We use cutting-edge molecular techniques such as scATAC-seq, CUT&Run, HiChIP, HiC, massive parallel reporter assay and genome/epigenome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 in order to understand the causal relationship between the epigenome and the transcriptome. We combine the wet lab approaches with deep bioinformatic analysis of the obtained data.

We are looking for a talented and motivated PhD student candidate with a strong background in wet-lab molecular techniques and strong interest in high-throughput techniques and neuroscience. The ideal candidate should possess a strong sense of independence and integrity. The applicant should be capable of taking initiative and demonstrate a flexible approach to problem-solving, reflecting a performance-oriented mindset. An ability to work cooperatively within a diverse team and excellent communication skills are essential, as our project relies on collaborative efforts to achieve its goals. We value individuals who can navigate complex research landscapes with a proactive attitude and who are committed to contributing to groundbreaking discoveries in human brain development. Applicants should be prepared to engage in a rigorous and rewarding research environment where innovation and critical thinking are highly encouraged

Join a dynamic research environment dedicated to innovation and critical thinking. We are a mix of wet lab and computational researchers interested in untangling the gene regulation of human brain development. We offer training in both advanced wet lab molecular methods and bioinformatic data analysis. We offer excellent international research environment with the potential for groundbreaking discoveries, strong community and supportive person-oriented supervision. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity in all its forms, and we strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.

Qualification requirements
In order to meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

In order to meet the specific entry requirements for acceptance in Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology program the applicant must have passed courses within the first and second cycles of at least 120 credits in Chemistry/Life Sciences, including at least 15 credits Neurochemistry/Chemistry/Life Sciences at the second cycle level and a Degree Project (Thesis) also in Neurochemistry/Chemistry/Life Science of 30 credits. 

The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

Selection
The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to successfully complete the program. Important criteria when assessing this capacity are: documented knowledge and skill in the field of the thesis project, written and oral proficiency in English, the capacity for analytical thinking, the ability to collaborate, as well as creativity, initiative, and independence.

The assessment will be based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the degree project, references, relevant experience, interviews and the candidate’s written motivation for seeking the position

Specific skills that will be evaluated in the selection are:

• A strong background in wet lab techniques and molecular biology
• Proficiency with cell culture techniques of mammalian cell lines and/or iPS cells
• Interest in development of new molecular methods
• A keen interest or background in neuroscience
• Experience with high-throughput data analysis is beneficial.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University are available at: www.su.se/rules and regulations .

Terms of employment
Only a person who will be or has already been admitted to a third-cycle programme may be appointed to a doctoral studentship.

The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study.

Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education, but may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Please note that admission decisions cannot be appealed.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
For more information, please contact project leader, Marek Bartosovic, [email protected] .

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, [email protected] , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, [email protected] , [email protected]  (SEKO), and PhD student representative, [email protected] .

Application
Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of degree projects/theses
• Project proposal/Research proposal describing:
  – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
  – why and how you wish to complete the project
  – what makes you suitable for the project in question
  – describe a scientific question/project (1-2 pages), withing the project described above, that you would be interested in working on (The purpose of this document is not to form the basis for the future doctoral project but to evaluate the applicant's scientific thinking)
• Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files)
• Letters of recommendation (no more than 6 files)
• Degree projects/theses (no more than 6 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position .

You are welcome to apply!

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URL to this page
https://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs/phd-student-positions-1.507588?rmpage=job&rmjob=23312&rmlang=UK