PhD Student Position in Developmental Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research Full-time NEW

PhD Student Position in Developmental Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

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.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our research team for a doctoral project focused on developmental neurobiology, differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into clinically relevant neuronal subtypes, and translational research related to stem cell-based therapies.

The project will provide an opportunity to work at the interface between basic developmental biology, stem cell research, and regenerative medicine, with particular emphasis on understanding the molecular mechanisms that control neuronal identity and applying this knowledge to the generation of defined neuronal cell types from human pluripotent stem cells.

The Research Group

The Johan Ericson research group at Karolinska Institutet studies the molecular mechanisms that control cell fate specification, commitment, and neuronal differentiation during development. The group has made important contributions to understanding the spatial and temporal mechanisms that regulate neural cell fate, with a particular focus on the spinal cord and brainstem. Building on insights from developmental biology, the group has developed robust methods for generating clinically relevant neuronal subtypes from human pluripotent stem cells, including midbrain dopaminergic neurons, serotonergic neurons, and motor neurons.

Our research aims both to improve our understanding of the developmental and cellular biology of these neuronal populations and to translate this knowledge into strategies for regenerative medicine, including the development of stem cell-based therapies for Parkinson's disease. The PhD student will work in a multidisciplinary research environment combining developmental neurobiology, human stem cell biology, molecular and cellular biology, advanced imaging and cell characterization, and translational neuroscience.

The Doctoral Student Project and the Duties of the Doctoral Student

The overall aim of the doctoral project will be to investigate the developmental mechanisms that control the generation of specific neuronal identities and to apply this knowledge to improve the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into defined neuronal populations.

The project will primarily focus on dopaminergic and oculomotor neurons developing in the midbrain. Mechanistic studies of nervous system development will be combined with the characterization of stem cell-derived neuronal populations relevant to neurodegenerative diseases and regenerative medicine. The part of the project focusing on dopaminergic neurons will also include the evaluation of neuronal progenitor cells and dopamine neurons in preclinical experimental animal models to assess cell development and therapeutic efficacy.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Perform and develop protocols for the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into defined neuronal cell types, including mesencephalic dopaminergic and oculomotor neurons.
• Investigate the signalling pathways and molecular mechanisms controlling neuronal specification and differentiation.
• Characterize stem cell-derived progenitors and neurons using molecular, cellular, and imaging-based approaches.
• Perform quantitative analyses of cell identity, differentiation efficiency, and cellular phenotypes.
• Participate in studies evaluating the properties and function of stem cell-derived neuronal populations, including preclinical studies when relevant.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data and present results at laboratory meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the laboratory and with researchers from complementary disciplines.
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts resulting from the doctoral project.

The successful candidate will receive training in relevant experimental and analytical methods and will progressively develop increasing scientific independence during the doctoral studies.

Co-supervisor Professor Eva Hedlund at Stockholm University will also play an important role in the project, contributing expertise in motor neuron development, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson's disease.

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 looking for a motivated candidate with a strong interest in developmental neurobiology, stem cell biology, neuroscience, and regenerative medicine.

The applicant should have:

• A master's degree, or equivalent qualification, in molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, neuroscience, neurochemistry, biomedicine, biotechnology, or a related field that fulfils the eligibility requirements for doctoral education at Karolinska Institutet.
• A strong interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neural development, neuronal differentiation and neurodegeneration.
• Previous laboratory experience in molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, neuroscience, and/or stem cell biology.
• Practical experience with human pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture is considered an advantage.
• Practical experience in specifying human iPSCs into dopamine neurons and/or oculomotor neurons is considered an advantage.
• Experience with techniques such as immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, qPCR, DNA/RNA analysis, and quantitative image analysis is considered an advantage.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills and an ability to carefully plan and document experimental work.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

We place strong emphasis on the candidate's scientific curiosity, motivation, ability to learn, and interest in experimental research.

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 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)

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: