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

Subject description

The neural circuitry for navigational decisions is both highly conserved and uniquely accessible in insects. These circuits reside in a brain region called the central complex (CX), a region with exceptionally tight structure-function relationships. After we have shown by proof of concept work on bees and ants that we can use multiresolution block-face electron microscopy to disentangle the circuits in the CX involved in navigational decisions across different species, we now aim to expand this work to cover a cross section of the insect phylogeny. As common data for all subprojects the student will image the CX in species from all major insect groups (imaging facility in Brisbane, Australia). These data will be used to reconstruct the connectomes of homologous decision making circuits at single neuron resolution.

Work duties

Subproject 1 will aim at revealing the changes of this circuit across 450 million years of evolution that are due to phylogenetic drift (towards ancestral circuit). Subproject 2 aims at revealing adaptations in line with specific lifestyle features (e.g. independently evolved specific navigation strategies). Subproject 3: Using these connectomics data, the student will develop anatomically constrained computational models (in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, UK), aiming at predicting behaviorally significant circuit elements that provide access points for circuit evolution. A key part of the project will also be the adaptation of machine learning algorithms to automate image segmentation for circuit reconstruction (method for all projects and methods development subproject).

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 will 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.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Biology if he or she has:

• passed an independent project (e.g., degree project) of at least 30 credits in a relevant subject and have good oral and written proficiency in English. Equivalent knowledge acquired through corresponding programs will be assessed individually. To enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specializations in certain areas, students with qualifications in subjects other than Biology may be considered for admission.

Additional requirements:

• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Training in neurobiology
• Experience with electron microscopy
• Basic Python programming skills
• The candidate must be highly motivated and eager to engage in challenging problems

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.

Other merits:

• Experience in a connectomics topic
• Knowledge of ultrastructural features of insect neuropils and synaptic connections
• Experience in CATMAID-based electron microscopy data annotation
• Detailed knowledge of the insect central complex
• Experience in R in the context of database queries and data visualization

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.

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 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.).