Doctoral student in Biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Work duties

We are seeking a PhD student to undertake research on neural connections and signalling in complex cellular systems. The PhD student will work within the Neuro-nano research and Visual Neurophysiology laboratories, located in the Functional Zoology unit at the Department of Biology, Lund University.

Much research in neuroscience has exploited the advantages of nerve cells grown in cultures on traditional petri dishes. This has made it possible to label particular cells, subcellular structures and make electrophysiological measurements. Such measurements have, until recently, been limited to a few measuring points making the analysis of larger complex neural networks difficult. Furthermore, there has been increasing interest in going from simple monocultures in two-dimensional (2D) systems to more complex co-cultures in three-dimensional (3D) culture systems on novel extracellular scaffolds to better mimic the intact brain. With recent technological developments for multi-electrode systems, the opportunities to study neural communication in these more complex systems, including 3D cultures, have increased.

This project aims to develop, explore, and analyze the evolution and function of in vivo-like neural cell systems based primarily on human neural cells. Such systems may improve our understanding of brain function under both normal conditions and in various diseases. These systems can also be used to better predict the effects of new treatments for brain diseases.

The project involves a certain amount of method development partly with regard to creating spatially organized cell systems using different matrices, and then being able to make relevant electrophysiological measurements and analyzes in these systems.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Additional requirements

In addition to the general mandatory requirements to be accepted for PhD education, the candidate should have:

• An MSc in Molecular Biology / Neurobiology or a closely related area.
• Excellent knowledge of English, both in reading comprehension and writing.
• Demonstrated ability for proactive and independent work
• Practical experience in electrophysiology and signal analysis
• Practical experience in eukaryotic cell culture

In addition to the mandatory requirements, documented experience in the following areas will be considered as strong merits:

• Practical experience in confocal microscopy and immunocytochemistry
• Experience in data processing, statistical computing, and scripting in Matlab

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research   problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Eligibility

Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Terms of employment

Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§. Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).