PhD position at the Neurotransporter Group
One PhD position is available for 3-4 years at the Neurotransporter Group at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular Medicine, Division of Anatomy. The laboratory is led by Professor Niels Chr. Danbolt and studies basic aspects of transporter proteins involved in metabolite transport as well as in brain signaling, including their importance in brain diseases, diabetes and epilepsy. The current project is a collaboration with Professor Tore Eid (Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA) and the candidate will be supervised by both Eid and Danbolt.
Description
The candidate will primarily work on the project "Conditional deletion of glutamine synthetase: Uncovering the secrets of the glutamate-glutamine metabolism in the brain". We have created viable conditional knockout mice. These mice develop epilepsy and neurodegeneration. The aim of the study is to uncover the links between lack of glutamine synthetase and epilepsy. This comprises studies of metabolism as well as changes to immune cells and blood vessels. The work tasks involve breeding and genotyping of genetically modified mice, behavioral examinations, immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, isotope-flux analyses of metabolites, in vivo EEG, neuroimaging and other methods as relevant.
The candidate will not be working alone, but will be member of a strong international team that aims at uncovering the roles of glutamate transporter proteins and relevant enzymes in health and disease. The candidate will take part in the group’s overall research activity, although the primary focus will be on the roles of glutamine synthetase in the brain. The team members will together share the tasks of running the laboratory, which include management of genetically modified mouse colonies. It is expected that the candidate will work both in Oslo and at Yale University (New Haven, CT, USA), but will start in Oslo to receive basic training.
The objective of a research fellowship is completion of research training to the level of a doctoral degree. Applicants must hold a master degree (equivalent to Norwegian master degrees) in a relevant subject (e.g. biology, medicine, molecular biology, electrophysiology or biochemistry). The candidate must be granted admission to the Faculty’s PhD program.
Qualifications:
- We are looking for a motivated individual with the right personal prerequisites to carry out the project. It is expected that the candidate has a basic understanding of biochemistry and biology as well as entry level computational skills. However, more important than formal competence and experience is the desire, stamina and ability to find the answers to biological questions. This comprises the ability and willingness to acquire new skills and knowledge as required during the progression of the project. To do this, the candidate must be able to work independently, but also be willing to share knowledge, collaborate with others and work in a team.
- It is expected that the candidate will spend a portion of his/her time (about half of the period) in Dr. Eid’s laboratory at Yale University.
- Due to the delicate nature of the work, which will include microsurgery and handling of minute objects, excellent fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination are necessary.
- The candidate is required to complete all necessary laboratory safety and animal training and must be willing and able to work with laboratory animals.
- It is not required to speak or understand Norwegian; however, native or fluent speakers of Norwegian will be eligible to extend their program from 3 to 4 years if they are willing to participate in teaching, which is given in Norwegian.
- The candidate must be able to communicate in English.
We offer
- Salary ranging from pay grade: 50 – 56 (NOK 432 700 – 480 900)
- Stimulating and attractive work environment
- Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- Attractive welfare benefits
The application must include:
- Application letter (including a summary of the applicant's scientific work and interests and describing how she/he fits the description of the person we seek)
- CV ( education since high school (place, grade), positions held and details of academic work)
- List of publications, published abstracts, presentations
- Copies of educational certificates and transcripts of records
- Names and contact details of 2-3 referees (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
The application with attachments is to be delivered in our electronic recruiting system EasyCruit. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please remember that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.
In assessing applications, particular emphasis will be placed upon the academic and personal ability of the candidate to complete the project within the given timeframe.
Applicants may be called in for an interview and a practical test.
In accordance with the University of Oslo´s equal opportunities policy, we invite applications from all interested individuals regardless of gender or ethnicity.
The University of Oslo has an agreement regarding acquisition of rights to work results for all employees, with the aim to secure rights to research results, etc.
According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.
For more information click "Further official information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/1756453/70335?iso=no