PhD student position in medical science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

At the Department of Neuroscience, we are working hard to increase our knowledge and insights into this area as well as into large areas of our musculoskeletal system and its disorders. A major objective with our research is to develop novel strategies to prevent and treat diseases and injuries in the nervous system and musculoskeletal system. By participating in different educational programs and courses, scientists at the Department communicate their knowledge to a wide range of future professional specialists – for example nurses, physicians, physiotherapists, speech pathologists and biomedical researchers.

We are about 130 employees, 100 graduate students and numerous young postdoctoral fellows. Moreover, a large number of professionals carry out research and teaching at Uppsala University Hospital (Akademiska sjukhuset) within the framework of the Department’s activity. Basic research is predominantly carried out the Uppsala University Biomedical Centre (BMC) and clinical research at various units in Akademiska sjukhuset, Uppsala University Hospital.

The Clinical Neurophysiology group offers a PhD student position to a highly motivated candidate who will work on an interdisciplinary project that combines computer programming and stem-cell culture. Candidates with good knowledge of programming, particularly in Matlab, and a genuine interest in neuroscience are encouraged to apply. The position is available immediately.

Who we are

Clinical Neurophysiology is a highly interdisciplinary group that conducts both clinical and preclinical research and integrates molecular biology, stem-cell technology and electrophysiology. Our aim is to enhance the knowledge about electrical communication between motorneurons and muscle cells in normal and diseased states with the overarching goal to propose novel strategies for the treatment of neuromuscular disorders.

The project

The aim of this project is to establish a platform for studying the physiology and pathology of the human neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in vitro by combining human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology and high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs). These cutting-edge arrays comprise thousands of planar microelectrodes packed in an area of ~8 mm2, providing subcelluar resolution of electrogenic cells. Each electrode can both stimulate and record, enabling bidirectional communication with any cell on the array. The main goals are to:

• Build an in vitro model of a human NMJ directly on HD-MEAs using iPSC technology
• Develop methods to monitor and electrically control activity across the NMJ using HD-MEAs
• Utilize the established platform to induce and study neuromuscular diseases

Eligibility:

• academic degree at the M.Sc. level
• solid knowledge in Matlab and Python programming
• willingness to learn and implement cell culture techniques
• applicants with engineering background and interest in neuroscience are particularly welcome

Duties:

• to conduct independent research in close collaboration with other lab members
• to write scientific manuscripts and to present your work at conferences
• to teach in Swedish or English, for at most 20% of the time
• to supervise Master and undergraduate students

In order to be eligible you will have to be registered as a PhD student. The rules governing this process can be found (in Swedish) in Högskoleförordningen 5 kap 1-7 §§ and in the legislations of the Uppsala University http://regler.uu.se/.

Application: Welcome with your application containing CV, copies of diplomas and grades, any publications and a personal letter with a brief description of yourself, your knowledge and research interests and contact information for two reference persons (phone number and email). Applications are assessed according to the following criteria: fulfilment of eligibility requirements, previous experience of work and / or research in the area and personal suitability.

Rules governing PhD candidates are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala university's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/search/?hits=30&languageId=1&search-language_en=English

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students and teaching assistants.
 
Starting date: Autumn 2018.

Type of position: Full time position.

For further information about the position please contact Associate professor Anna Rostedt Punga, tel +4618-611 3433, e-mail: anna.rotedt.punga@neuro.uu.se. Please check the group’s website at http://www.neuro.uu.se/forskning/Klinisk-neurofysiologi/

Please submit your application by October 17th 2018, UFV-PA 2018/3213.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.