Job ID: 121940

PhD position in neural circuits

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 21 February 2025

City: Stockholm

Country: Sweden

Institution: Stockholm University

Department:

Description:

The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. SciLifeLab (SciLifeLab) is a national center for molecular biosciences with focus on health and environmental research. The center combines frontline technical expertise with advanced knowledge of translational medicine and molecular bioscience. SciLifeLab is a national resource hosted by Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University and Uppsala University. The center also collaborates with several other universities.

The employment will be placed at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, at Stockholm University. More information about us, please visit: www.dbb.su.se.

Project description

Project title: Neural circuit connectivity and function in neuropsychiatric disorders.

The project will study the diversity of neuromodulatory neurons and circuits in the brain. The lab is particularly interested in serotonin neural subpopulations and their role in mood and anxiety-related behaviors. We want to understand how neural connectivity and function contribute to both healthy behavior as well as neuropsychiatric disorders.

The project will utilize transgenic mouse models to characterize novel neuronal subtypes with single-cell RNA sequencing, viral-genetic tools to visualize and map the connectivity of brain circuits, in vivo calcium imaging to record neural activity, and various manipulation methods including optogenetics to modulate neural activity during behavioral assays.

The research will take place in the lab of Dr. Pollak Dorocic. For more information about our research check the Pollak Dorocic lab website.

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 deadline for applications.

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.

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.

Previous experience in neuroscience research, including rodent stereotaxic surgery, behavioral assays, in vivo electrophysiological or calcium recordings, and computational analysis is an advantage. Strong programming skills (Python, R) are an advantage.

Please apply directly here (application deadline February 21): https://su.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:787483/

Or contact the group leader for more information.