PhD student in Neurochemistry

The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. SciLifeLab (SciLifeLab) is a national center for molecular biosciences with focus on health and environmental research. The center combines frontline technical expertise with advanced knowledge of translational medicine and molecular bioscience. SciLifeLab is a national resource hosted by Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University and Uppsala University. The center also collaborates with several other universities.

The employment will be placed at the Department of biochemistry and biophysics, at Stockholm university. More information about us, please visit: www.dbb.su.se.

Project description

Project title: Neural circuit connectivity and function in neuropsychiatric disorders.

The project will study the diversity of neuromodulatory neurons and circuits in the brain. The lab is particularly interested in serotonin neural subpopulations and their role in mood and anxiety-related behaviors. We want to understand how neural connectivity and function contribute to both healthy behavior as well as neuropsychiatric disorders.

The project will utilize transgenic mouse models to characterize novel neuronal subtypes with single-cell RNA sequencing, viral-genetic tools to visualize and map the connectivity of brain circuits, in vivo calcium imaging to record neural activity, and various manipulation methods including optogenetics to modulate neural activity during behavioral assays.

The research will take place in the lab of Dr. Pollak Dorocic. For more information about our research check the Pollak Dorocic lab website.

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or 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.

Specific entry requirements, 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.

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.

Previous experience in neuroscience research, including rodent stereotaxic surgery, behavioral assays, in vivo electrophysiological or calcium recordings, and computational analysis is an advantage. Strong programming skills (Python, R) are an advantage.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

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

Contact

For more information, please contact Iskra Pollak Dorocic, iskra.pollak-dorocic@dbb.su.se.

General information about the PhD programs can be given by the Director of Doctoral Studies, Andreas Barth, andreas.barth@dbb.su.se.

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

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