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: "Multiplex chromatin technologies to understand human brain development".

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to develop new multiplex technologies for chromatin mapping and apply them to understand the gene regulatory principles underlying human brain development. The project aims to uncover how different chromatin modalities are coordinated as neural stem and progenitor cells give rise to the diverse cell types of the human brain with particular focus on human-specific molecular mechanisms. The student will develop and optimise molecular methods to measure multiple chromatin features in the same cells, building on our laboratory’s work in single-cell epigenomics. By applying these technologies to the developing human fetal brain and stem cell-based models, we will investigate how combinations of chromatin features relate to gene expression, lineage commitment and the establishment of cell identity.

The project combines technology development with an in-depth investigation of human brain biology. Experimental work will be closely integrated with bioinformatic analysis to examine how chromatin states change during development and identify regulatory principles shared across, or specific to, different neural lineages. The student will be involved in method development, experimental design, data generation and biological interpretation. The project is intended to be part wet-lab and part computational and can be partially tailored to the student’s background and interests. Training in both advanced molecular methods and bioinformatic data analysis will be provided.

The successful candidate will join the Laboratory for Single-Cell Epigenomics and Neurobiology, led by Dr. Marek Bartosovic at Stockholm University. Our lab develops single-cell and multimodal chromatin profiling methods and combines molecular biology, neurobiology and computational analysis to understand gene regulation in the developing brain. We offer an interdisciplinary and supportive research environment that encourages scientific curiosity, creativity and professional growth.

If you are enthusiastic about developing new technologies and using them to understand how the human brain develops, we encourage you to apply.

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.

The ideal candidate should have either a strong background in molecular biology with an interest in neurodevelopment, or a strong background in neurodevelopment with an interest in molecular biology and technology development. We are looking for a candidate who is enthusiastic about connecting new experimental approaches to biological questions and developing expertise across these fields.

The following interests and skills are expected:

• A strong interest in developing new molecular methods and multiplex chromatin profiling technologies.
• An interest in human brain development, developmental biology and stem cells.
• An interest in single-cell technologies, other genomic approaches and bioinformatics, with a willingness to combine experimental work with computational data analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, scientific curiosity and the ability to take initiative.
• Good communication and teamwork skills, together with the ability to work independently.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Previous hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas would be an advantage: molecular biology and method development; chromatin biology or epigenetics; neurodevelopment; mammalian cell culture, particularly human embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells; neural differentiation or brain organoids; single-cell or other high-throughput genomic technologies; and bioinformatic analysis of sequencing data. Experience in all of these areas is not required.

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.

For more information, please contact groupleader, marek.bartosovic@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.

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• - ST/OFR, 08162000, st@st.su.se
• - Saco-S, 08162000, saco@saco.su.se
• - Seko, 0770457900, sekodirekt@seko.se

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 time the applicant is admitted to the PhD program at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

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.