PhD position in Neurobiology/Molecular Physiology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Organismal Biology teaches and explores the evolution, development and function of whole organisms. For more information see www.iob.uu.se The vacant PhD student position is placed at the program of Comparative Physiology headed by professor Åsa Mackenzie and which is one of six research programs at the Department of Organismal Biology (http://www.ebc.uu.se/forskning/IOB/).

Mackenzie’s research group has an interest in understanding how the brain is formed and how it processes incoming information and transforms this into a relevant behavioural output, a motivated or goal-directed behaviour. The brain is a complex organ in which multiple neuronal populations work together in a coordinated manner. Positive and negative experiences are processed in the brain´s reward and aversion centres, which remain to be fully explored in order to understand how emotions contribute to motivated behavior.

In our research, we work with identifying neurons and neuronal circuits that regulate emotional behavior, in particular glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurons of the mid- and forebrain. By identification of subgroups of neurons, their circuitry and role in behavioral regulation, we aim to increase the current knowledge and understanding of brain function in both healthy and diseased conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction and Parkinson´s disease.

Both developmental and established neuronal circuits are in our focus, not least as many neuropsychiatric conditions are correlated with various stages of brain development. Methodologically, we implement molecular biology, histology, electrophysiology and optogenetics in combination with behavior and neurocircuitry analysis. We are now keen to employ a talented, motivated, and competent PhD student with characteristics such as curiosity, drive and sense of responsibility.

Duties/Project description: The PhD position includes research and teaching, with the majority of the time dedicated to research. Work duties include experimental laborative work, analysis and processing of results for publication. Primarily, the analysis of glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurons in the brain reward and aversion systems will be performed including comparison between different model systems. Methodologically, the PhD student will work with molecular and histological approaches and also viral-genetic approaches for neural circuitry and behavior studies. The position includes training in relevant methods to enbable independent study and work.

Requirements: Completed university education of 240 university points (högskolepoäng, hp) out of which 60 hp on advanced level corresponding to master degree. The education must  be in the field of natural sciences or biomedicine, or similar, and the advanced courses must be in molecular biology, neurobiology, developmental biology, molecular phsyiology, experimental psychology or similar;

You must have senese of responsibility and thoroughness, and be highly motivated to execute substantial and advanced laboratory studies. Have a genuine interest in increassing the correlation between the brain, its formation and function, and behavioral regulation;

You must have very good knowledge of molecular biology methodology, including PCR-based methods. Have completed at least one university project in a preclinical experimental research laboratory, with documented excellent laboratory skills in which you have followed GLP (good laboratory praxis);

You have very good skills in both written and spoken English. You are able to work both independently and in group and also be able to receive and follow instructions.

Additional qualifications: It will be considered of merit if you have completed at least one course in neurobiology or developmental biology. Have theoretical and practical knowledge of any of the following: Histology, e.g. in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry; optogenetics; behavioral analysis-

In filling this position, the university aims to recruit the person who, in the combined evaluation of competence, skills and documented qualifications, is judged most suitable to carry out and develop the work-in-hand and to contribute to a positive development of the department.

Position: The PhD-student position is a 4-year appointment, and the candidate will primarily devote the time to his/her own research studies. Other departmental work, such as teaching or administration can be part of the position (maximum 20 %). Salary placement is in accordance with local guidelines at Uppsala University. The applicant must be eligible for PhD studies at Uppsala University.

Information about research education can be found at the web site of the Faculty of Science and Technology, http://www.teknat.uu.se/Doktorand/.

Application: The application should include 1) a letter of intent describing yourself, your education, your research Interests, your motivation to why you want to do this PhD, and your future plans (where do you see yourself in 5 and 10 years?), 2) CV with copies of your master degree certificate and certificate of completed courses and obtained degree, 3) names and contact information (address, email address, and phone number) to at least two reference persons (of which at least one should be your supervisor in previous research project), 4) relevant publications (including your master thesis). The application should be written in English.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/?languageId=1.

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.
 
Starting date: 20-08-2019 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Åsa Mackenzie, e-mail asa.mackenzie@ebc.uu.se 

Please submit your application by 5 April 2019, UFV-PA 2019/969.

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.