PhD student in Environmental Science, Stem Cell-Based Models and Toxicology

Stockholm University consistently ranks among the top universities in the world in Environmental Science. The Department of Environmental Science is one of the biggest departments at the Faculty of Science. The department consists of four units with more than 170 researchers, teachers, doctoral students and technical/administrative staff from over 30 countries. Research and teaching focuses on chemical contaminants, atmospheric science, biogeochemistry and (eco)toxicology. As an employee at the Department of Environmental Science you will be part of a dynamic environment with research in leading research areas and with a strong international profile. More information about us, please visit: the Department of Environmental Science.

SciLifeLab is a national research center for molecular biosciences  located at Karolinska Institutet’s campus in Solna. SciLifeLab provides infrastructure for state-of-the-art high-throughput molecular technologies and serves as a collaboration hub for Stockholm University, Karolinska Institute, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Uppsala University. The center brings together a broad range of scientists across traditional university and department boundaries, to facilitate networking and multidisciplinary studies within two main focus areas: health and environmental research.

Subject area

Neurotoxicity, and in particular developmental neurotoxicity (DNT), poses a significant public health concern due to its potential to cause long-lasting effects on brain function and behavior. There is a growing need for human-relevant, mechanistically informed models to improve the assessment of neurotoxic risks.

The PhD position is fully funded for 4 years and will be carried out in Oskar Karlsson's group at SciLifeLab. The project aims to develop and apply advanced in vitro models for studying neurotoxicity using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). A central focus will be on differentiating hiPSCs into neural lineages and generating 3D brain organoids to better mimic key aspects of human neurodevelopment.

We will combine these models with high-content screening and omics-based approaches (e.g., DNA methylome sequencing and transcriptomics), including single-cell analysis, to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying neurotoxic effects. The goal is to identify early biomarkers of DNT, map adverse outcome pathways, and improve the predictive capacity for human health risk assessment.

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 for doctoral studies in Environmental Science, is met if at least 45 of the credits at the second cycle is in one of the natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, or Meteorology) including a 30 credits thesis project. The applicant should also have 30 credits in other natural science subjects different from the major.

The applicant may also have MSc degree in other relevant areas (e.g. Toxicology, Pharmacy, Biomedicine, or Molecular biology).

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

• documented knowledge in a relevant field of research
• experience working with cell models, particularly stem cell-based models including organoids
• experience with high-content analysis, microscopy, and molecular biology methods
• capacity for analytical and creative thinking
• initiative
• independence
• ability to collaborate
• written and oral proficiency in English

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 Professor Oskar Karlsson, oskar.karlsson@aces.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.