PhD student in Neurochemistry

The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics 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 270 people of which about 60 are PhD students work at the Department, engaged in internationally highly recognised research covering a broad range of subjects. More information about us, please visit: the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

Project description

Project title: How Regulatory DNA and Epigenetics Rewired Human Brain Development.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our project on understanding how human-specific genetic and epigenetic changes have shaped the development and function of our brains. The project aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms by which non-coding regulatory elements influence brain development, evolution and contributes to higher cognitive abilities. We will employ cutting-edge single-cell and spatial epigenomic technologies, combined with in vitro brain organoid models of both human and non-human primates, to identify and functionally characterize species-specific regulatory elements. By perturbing these candidate elements through CRISPR-based genome editing, we seek to reveal their impact on neuronal development, connectivity, and activity. This research has implications for understanding what makes the human brain unique, as well as for shedding light on neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment at the Laboratory for Single-Cell Epigenomics and Neurobiology, led by Dr. Marek Bartosovic at Stockholm University. Our lab has pioneered innovative single-cell and spatial chromatin profiling methods (e.g., scCUT&Tag, sc-nano-CUT&Tag) to dissect gene regulatory mechanisms at unprecedented resolution. We combine neurobiology, epigenetics, and computational biology to understand fundamental questions about the developing and adult brain. The lab has established collaborations with leading international groups, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities for stem cell culture, organoid generation, advanced imaging, and genomic analyses. We foster a collaborative and supportive research atmosphere that encourages scientific curiosity, creativity, and professional growth.

If you are enthusiastic about investigating the evolutionary genetic underpinnings of human brain development and enjoy working in a challenging and inspiring research setting, we encourage you to apply.

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 amongst 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.

The ideal candidate should have background in molecular and cellular biology with hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Cell culture - particularly human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells.
• Brain organoids or organotypic slice cultures.
• Wet-lab molecular/cell biology techniques (e.g., DNA/RNA/protein work, tissue sectioning, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization).
• Previous exposure to epigenetics, molecular neuroscience, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, bioinformatics, or single-cell profiling (scRNA-seq/scATAC-seq) would be an advantage.
• Proactive approach with the ability to drive a project forward from conceptualization and experiment planning to data interpretation and reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret data and contribute ideas to advance the project.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills with an aptitude for collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
• A driven, self-motivated mindset and good time management abilities, eager to learn and tackle new challenges.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential.

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 Project Leader, Marek Bartosovic, marek.bartosovic@dbb.su.se.

General information about the PhD programs can be given by the Professor and 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.