PhD position with focus on brain development and RNA editing

The Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Grens Institute (MBW) conducts experimental basic research in molecular cell biology, integrative biology and infection and immunobiology. The research environment is characterized by a modern and advanced methodology and has a strong international profile. MBW is one of the larger departments within the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University with just over 30 research groups and approximately 180 employees, of which 65 are doctoral students. More information about us can be found at: Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Grens Institute.

Postgraduate subject

This PhD position is in RNA biology with a focus on brain development and RNA editing. The thesis work will be conducted in the laboratory led by Dr. Eduardo A. Sagredo at MBW. Our research aims to unravel the role of RNA modifications in various processes during the RNA life cycle, such as RNA localization and RNA stability/degradation. The successful candidate will work in a fully funded project that aims to systematically investigate the relationship between RNA editing and subcellular mRNA localization during neuronal differentiation and brain development, using state-of-the-art transcriptome-wide sequencing and functional methods. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic, internationally oriented research environment at the intersection of RNA biology, epitranscriptomics and neuroscience. The project offers training in current and emerging transcriptomic and cell biology methods as well as models for neuronal differentiation and animal studies (mice).

Eligibility requirements

To be admitted to doctoral studies, the applicant must have basic and specific eligibility requirements. The eligibility requirements must be met by the application deadline.

You have basic eligibility if you have completed a degree at advanced level, or have completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (ECs), of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at advanced level, or have otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.

Specific eligibility requirements are described in the study plan for doctoral studies in the field of molecular biosciences . You meet the specific eligibility requirements if you have at least 120 credits in molecular biology, biology, chemistry or equivalent at the undergraduate level, and at least 60 credits at the advanced level in molecular biosciences or equivalent, of which at least 30 credits must consist of an independent degree project.

Selection

Selection of applicants is made based on their ability to benefit from postgraduate education. Criteria used to assess this ability are:

• Documented knowledge within a relevant research area as well as a research plan/project plan for the intended project (max. 2 pages) should be included in the application.
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary technology development related to RNA biology, genomics and/or proteomics.
• Practical experience in molecular biology, proteomics and/or genomics with a focus on interpreting biological data and experimentally testing hypotheses (e.g. Western Blotting, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence, qPCR, RNA-seq and/or CLIP-related methods).
• Experience in cell culture and mouse work is considered highly desirable.
• Basic knowledge of programming languages ​​(such as bash, R or Python) for handling NGS datasets is considered an asset.
• Independence in analysis and organization of previous scientific work.
• Problem formulation and accuracy in previous scientific work and in the research plan.
• Previously demonstrated ability to meet specified timeframes.
• Methodological and scientific maturity, which describes independence, initiative and collaboration.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

Admission procedure for doctoral education at Stockholm University.

About the employment

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student in accordance with Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The employment period may not be longer than the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education. As a doctoral student, you will primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20%).

A new appointment as a doctoral student is valid for a maximum of one year, and the appointment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace that is free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for everyone.

Contact

Further information is available from Dr. Eduardo A. Sagredo, eduardo.sagredo@su.se .

Application

You apply for the doctoral position via Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Attach a cover letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it reaches the university by the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: applying for a job .

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