PhD student in biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases

PhD Student In Biomarkers For Neurodegenerative Diseases

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.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard equality, equal opportunities and diversity as a strength and an asset.

The Biomarkers in Brain Disease research group at the Department of Experimental Medical Science investigates how disease mechanisms in the body and brain interact in Huntington's disease. This work involves in vivo and in vitro experiments, microscopy and molecular biology methods.

The workplace and research environment are shared by five research groups, all working on neurodegenerative diseases, with approximately 25–30 people in total. Together, they create a stimulating and international research environment in which we share research equipment and chemicals and hold joint laboratory meetings. The atmosphere is friendly and encourages a wide range of discussions. The research group is active in the European Huntington's Disease Network and Lund University Huntington Centre.

The body's biological clock regulates functions such as sleep, metabolism, immune function and brain activity. The central clock in the hypothalamus coordinates rhythms in the body's cells and organs, which also have their own rhythms. Disturbances in sleep and circadian rhythms are common in neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD). Research suggests that these disturbances are not merely symptoms but may contribute to neurodegeneration.

HD is an inherited disorder that affects movement, cognition and psychiatric function. The mutated gene, which contains an expanded CAG repeat sequence, and the huntingtin protein are expressed not only in neurons but also in cells throughout the body.

Despite increasing knowledge, it remains unclear how disruptions to the body's biological clocks affect the course of HD. It is also unknown whether modifying clock function could alter disease progression in HD. This doctoral project will combine in vitro and in vivo studies and use methods such as RNA sequencing. The project requires a balance between experimental laboratory work and data analysis.

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. In addition to your full-time doctoral studies, you may participate in the supervision of Bachelor's or Master's students.

Requirements for admission 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

Merits for the position are:

• priority will be given to applicants who have graduated no more than three years before the closing date for applications
• Good knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases and molecular biology
• Demonstrated experience of in vivo and in vitro studies
• Very good knowledge of molecular biology
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate effectively
• Good ability to present research clearly in writing and visually
• Good spoken and written English skills
• A well-organised and independent approach to work
• Experience of primer design and RT-PCR optimisation
• Experience of working collaboratively on ambitious research projects
• Ability to accept constructive feedback and a willingness to develop and learn during the doctoral programme

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.

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.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for a total of four years, commencing on 1 January 2027 or as agreed. As a general rule, employment at Lund University is based in Sweden; you are therefore expected to carry out your work on site in Lund.

Doctoral student salaries are determined in accordance with the Faculty's applicable salary scale.

The application must include a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how your qualifications match its requirements. It must also include a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and any other documents you wish to bring to our attention, such as copies of academic transcripts, referee details and letters of recommendation. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout the application period.

Tagged as: Life Sciences