Doctoral (PhD) student position in cognitive investigations Full-time NEW

Doctoral (PhD) Student Position In Cognitive Investigations

To be a doctoral student means to devote oneself to a research project under supervision of experienced researchers and following an individual study plan. For a doctoral degree, the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education is required.

The Research Group

The position regards the CarlenLab, Neural circuits of cognition.

The Doctoral Student Project And The Duties Of The Doctoral Student

The student will contribute to our work on the cellular underpinnings of cognition, with a focus on the PFC's (prefrontal cortex) interactions with the striatum. The project includes viral targeting and characterization of select neuronal populations and pathways, with a focus on the output of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Comparative analyses in mouse models of mental disorders are included. The structural investigations will be paralleled by high-density electrophysiological recordings (Neuropixels probes) in behaving mice. Optogenetics will be used for optotagging and elucidation of the function of specific neuronal populations. An important part of the project involves analysis of electrophysiological data, and usage of computational frameworks for annotation and visualization of structural, functional and behavioral data.

What Do We Offer?

A creative and inspiring environment full of expertise and curiosity. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. As a doctoral student you are offered an individual research project, a well-educated supervisor, a vast range of elective courses and the opportunity to work in a leading research group. Karolinska Institutet collaborates with prominent universities from all around the world, which ensures opportunities for international exchanges. You will be employed on a doctoral studentship which means that you receive a contractual salary. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Eligibility Requirements For Doctoral Education

In order to participate in the selection for a doctoral position, you must meet the following general (A) and specific (B) eligibility requirements at latest by the application deadline.

It is your responsibility to certify eligibility by following the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

A) General eligibility requirement You meet the general eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

1. have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or
2. have satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the advanced/second-cycle/master level, or
3. have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Follow the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

*If you claim equivalent knowledge, follow the instructions on the web page Assessing equivalent knowledge for general eligibility for doctoral education.

B) Specific eligibility requirement

You meet the specific eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

– Show proficiency in English equivalent to the course English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school.

Follow the instructions on the web page English language requirements for doctoral education.

Verification of your documents Karolinska Institutet checks the authenticity of your documents. Karolinska Institutet reserves the right to revoke admission if supporting documents are discovered to be fraudulent. Submission of false documents is a violation of Swedish law and is considered grounds for legal action.

(A) and (B) can only be certified by the documentation requirement for doctoral education.

Skills And Personal Qualities

We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated and creative lab member able to work both individually and as part of a team. Open and honest communication, and active contribution to the theoretical and practical work are expected, as is proactivity and troubleshooting skills. Team spirit and team responsibility are particularly important.

Formal requirements: Education focused on neuroscience and practical experience of systems neuroscience studies in mice. Animal work certification (mice) in accordance with current Swedish and/or European legislations. Proficiency in intracranial surgeries, intracranial viral injections and usage of viral strategies for interrogation of brain circuitry; perfusions; behavioral studies in mice; epifluorescence and confocal microscopy; data analysis directly relevant to the mentioned requirements.

Desirable: experience of high-density electrophysiology and optogenetics in behaving mice; proficiency in programming.

Terms And Conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

Application Process

Submit your application and supporting documents through the Varbi recruitment system. Use the button in the top right corner and follow the instructions. We prefer that your application is written in English, but you can also apply in Swedish.

Your application must contain the following documents:

– A personal letter directly relevant to the position and a curriculum vitae – Degree projects and previous publications, if any – Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above – Documents certifying your general eligibility (see A above) – Documents certifying your specific eligibility (see B above)

Selection

A selection will be made among eligible applicants on the basis of the ability to benefit from doctoral education. The qualifications of the applicants will be evaluated on an overall basis.

Karolinska Institutet uses the following bases of assessment:

– Documented subject knowledge of relevance to the area of research – Analytical skill – Other documented knowledge or experience that may be relevant to doctoral studies in the subject.

All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed.