Doctoral student in associative learning and cerebellar neuroscience Full-time NEW

Doctoral Student In Associative Learning And Cerebellar Neuroscience

Lund University, Department of Experimental Medical Science

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 46,000 students and 8,500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the human condition.

At Lund University, we are announcing the position as DDLS PhD student in Data Driven Cell and Molecular Biology covers research that fundamentally transforms our knowledge about how cells function by peering into their molecular components in time and space, from single molecules to native tissue environments.

The position is based in the Associative Learning Group at Department of Experimental Medical Science, Medical Faculty, Lund University. The laboratory is located at Biomedical Centre (BMC) in Lund and is equipped for high-density in vivo electrophysiology, including Neuropixels 2.0 probes, and equipment for large-scale data analysis.

The research group focuses on the neural mechanisms of associative learning and cerebellar function. The group is led by associate professor Anders Rasmussen, and currently has 1 PhD student, 1 postdoc, and 1 lab technician.

The department hosts multiple research groups in neural circuits, computational neuroscience, sensory physiology, and neurodevelopment. You will work alongside experienced researchers and have access to high-performance computing, university servers, as well as a rich national network of neuroscience expertise through SciLifeLab and the DDLS Research School. We promote a good working environment based on respect, openness, and care for one another. Flexible working arrangements and support for professional development are part of our culture.

Project Description

This project is part of the DDLS Research School, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation through SciLifeLab. The aim is to reveal how networks of neurons in the cerebellum support associative learning, using large-scale Neuropixels recordings combined with computational modelling. The project is embedded in a national network of data-driven life science research spanning eleven Swedish universities. For more information, see the DDLS Research School website at scilifeLab.se/ddls.

Tasks And Responsibilities

The main task for a doctoral student is to devote yourself to your doctoral studies, therefore you will be both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University.

As a doctoral student you will conduct neurophysiological experiments in which associative learning is studied in the ferret cerebellum using Neuropixels 2.0 probes. You will be responsible for the full experimental pipeline: surgical preparation, in vivo recordings, spike sorting and data curation, and computational analysis of large-scale neural datasets – though all parts will be under supervision and in collaboration with other team members. You will also develop and apply machine learning-based classifiers for cell-type identification, and collaborate with co-supervisor Erik Martens on the computational modelling component of the project.

The duties may also include participation in teaching, but no more than 20% of working hours. You will present your results at national and international conferences and contribute to manuscript preparation throughout the project.

Qualifications

The Admission Requirements Are:

• a second-cycle degree, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the second-cycle level, or in some other way acquired essentially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country
• good ability to utilize the doctoral studies
• knowledge of neuroscience, biology, physics, computer science, or a closely related field at higher education or equivalent education
• good knowledge of English, both written and spoken

Requirements For The Position Are:

• experience of programming for data analysis, for example in Python, MATLAB, R, or similar
• collaborative and able to work in a structured manner within a research team

Merits For The Position Are:

• experience of in vivo electrophysiology, including surgical preparation and neural recordings in anaesthetised or decerebrated animals
• strong computational skills, including programming in Python, MATLAB, R, Julia, or similar and experience with data analysis of large or high-dimensional datasets
• experience of computational or mathematical modelling of neural systems
• self-motivated, persistent, and with strong written and oral communication skills in English
• collaborative, structured, and able to work independently within a research team

Great emphasis will be placed on how the applicant, through his/her experience and competence, is judged to have the ability needed to complete the doctoral studies.

What We Offer

Lund University is a government agency, which means that you get special benefits, generous holidays, and a favourable occupational pension. As a doctoral student at Lund University, you are both admitted as a student and employed, which gives you several benefits. Read more about being admitted and employed at the university's website.

Lund University has generous support for parental leave and favourable offers for training and wellness. As a doctoral student at Lund University, you get salary, pension, and access to university benefits throughout your studies. You will be part of the DDLS Research School, a national initiative giving you access to advanced training in data-driven life science, national workshops, and a wide network of PhD students and researchers across eleven Swedish universities.

Find out more on the University website about working with us Work for us.

About The Employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment for a total of four years, 100%, with a start date of 1 October 2026 or as agreed. The main rule is that employment at Lund University is conducted in Sweden. You are expected to be able to perform your work on site in Lund.

Rules and regulations concerning employment as a doctoral student can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7. Provisions regarding admission to doctoral studies are found in Chapter 6, Section 3 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). More information is available on the university's website.

Other Information

The position is funded through the DDLS Research School (Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation / SciLifeLab) and is linked to the national DDLS PhD programme. No probationary period applies. Interviews will be held at Biomedical Centre, Lund.

Contact Anders Rasmussen (anders.rasmussen@med.lu.se, +46 70 974 66 09) for questions about the position.

How To Apply

You apply for the position via the university's recruitment system. The application should include a personal letter (maximum one page) explaining why you are interested in the position and how your background matches the requirements. The application should also include a CV, copies of degree certificates and transcripts, and contact details for two references. Any other documents you wish to refer to, such as publications or a master's thesis, may also be included.

More Information Regarding The Faculty Of Medicine

The Faculty of Medicine is a part of Lund University, and is responsible for education and research within medicine and healthcare. Our academic programs are closely linked with the healthcare system and are firmly anchored in the faculty's strong research tradition. Our research spans a broad field within experimental preclinical research, near-patient clinical research, and health sciences research. The Faculty of Medicine, with its 1,800 employees and 2,700 students in Lund and Malmö, is a knowledge-intensive meeting place for students, teachers, and researchers from all over the world.

We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.