PhD student in Neurochemistry with molecular neurobiology

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: "Fe65 and its interaction partners in neuronal function and neurodegeneration".

This PhD student position is in the research team of Associate Professor Anna-Lena Ström. The team seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), such as the polyglutamine disease spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Accumulation and aggregation of various disease-related proteins, increased levels of DNA damage, and altered gene expression are common hallmarks of many NDs. We have previously shown that the expression level of the brain-enriched scaffold protein Fe65 increases in response to DNA damage and that the nuclear translocation of this protein is involved in DNA repair. Interestingly, Fe65 can interact with both the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and tau—two proteins linked to the pathology of AD. Moreover, tau dysregulation, including tau nuclear translocation, has been implicated in several other NDs, such as ALS. However, exactly how Fe65, via its multiple interaction domains, forms different protein complexes involved in distinct essential cellular functions—such as DNA repair and gene regulation—and how complex formation is regulated spatially and temporally remain largely unstudied. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms by which distinct Fe65 complexes execute context-specific functions and how these processes may be disrupted in different NDs are unclear. The aim of this project is to address these questions using various cell models, including patient fibroblasts and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons, in combination with CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing, molecular biology and biochemical techniques, as well as advanced confocal fluorescence microscopy.

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.

We are seeking candidates with a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, or cell biology.

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 Associate Professor, Anna-Lena Ström, anna-lena.strom@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.