Doctoral (PhD) student position in Neurometabolism

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

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 Furlan lab aims to discover the neuronal circuits regulating food intake, energy homeostasis, and body weight regulation, with a focus on obesity (Furlan et al., Nat. Neuro, 2022). To do this, we employ a multidisciplinary approach, including transcriptomics, circuit-tracing methods, and functional manipulation strategies, in the mouse model. We believe that interrogation of these understudied brain-body circuits will critically advance our understanding of how the brain and organs communicate to achieve important physiological processes and will contribute to the development of novel approaches to treat obesity and metabolic syndrome. Our lab is part of the Neuroscience department, in the Biomedicum, a vibrant, highly interactive, internationally recognized center for medical research with outstanding research infrastructure.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The project focuses on the identification and characterization of the brain circuits mediating the therapeutic effects of anti-obesity medications, and on the role that these neurons have in influencing behavior and body weight. The student will use viral vectors to image (via photometry) and control the activity (using opto- and chemo-genetics approaches) of the neurons activated by anti-obesity drugs. To assess the response of such manipulations on behavior and whole-body homeostasis, the candidate will use state-of-the-art high-throughput wireless devices for monitoring of behavioral and metabolic parameters, in the freely-behaving mouse. The student will complement this analysis with RNA sequencing of peripheral organs and/or single-cell sequencing of selected neuronal populations.

The candidate is expected to spearhead this project, learn to plan experiments independently and collect and analyze data. The student will have the possibility to collaborate on other projects, led by other team members. Round tables and lab meetings will be held weekly to discuss science and problem-solving. The student will take part in these meetings and present data at least twice per semester.

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

Initiative, motivation, and a keen interest in understanding and contributing to the fields of neuroscience and metabolism are an absolute must.

The ideal candidate should:

• Have a solid background in Neuroscience and Pharmacology
• Be familiar with mouse work and genotyping protocols for transgenic mice
• Be experienced with intracranial stereotaxic surgery, and the use of viral vectors
• Be able to perform immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging on brain tissues
• Be familiar with RNA extraction procedures and sequencing protocols

The following represent a strong plus:

• Experience with tissue clearing and whole-mount immunostaining of organs
• Prior experience in a research laboratory

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 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.

neurobiology-of-obesity-alessandro-furlan-group

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