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. We are approximately 270 employees, of which 60 are doctoral students that work at the Department, and are engaged in internationally highly recognized research covering a broad range of subjects.

More information about us, please visit: The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

Project description

Your studies in Neurochemistry will be in the project "Mechanistic ALS research with a focus on energy metabolism".

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a selective and progressive loss of motor neurons that control skeletal muscle. Both motor neurons and muscle cells are energy-demanding cell types that require a continuous energy supply. New research findings indicate early disturbances in energy metabolism in ALS.

In this project, we will study the effect of different ALS-causing mutations on energy metabolism in different cell types in real time. Analyzes will take place in zebrafish and in human stem cells. Tasks include generation of zebrafish mutants by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing as well as generation of transgenic zebrafish lines. Analysis of motor behavior in generated lines as well as effects on muscle fibers and motor neurons including axonal outgrowth, which is mostly carried out via real-time confocal microscopy. Tasks also include work with human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), gene editing of iPSCs and their derivation into motor neurons and muscle and analysis of the communication between them.

Single cell RNA sequencing and advanced bioinformatics analyses are also large parts of the project and may thus become part of the duties.

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.

During the assessment process, special attention will be paid to previous experience working with zebrafish, analysis of motor behavior in zebrafish, CRISPR/Cas9 and knowledge of muscle and CNS anatomy. Special attention will also be given to previous experience working with iPSCs and specification to muscle and motor neurons. Great importance is also placed on personal suitability, ability to work in teams as well as motivation and curiosity.

Merits are general knowledge of zebrafish biology, as well as experience with analysis methods of zebrafish embryos such as immunofluorescence, PCR and microinjection. Experience with cultivation of human iPSCs and their derivation into motor neurons and muscle fibers and analysis of their identity and function is also a merit.

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 Eva Hedlund, eva.hedlund@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.