PhD Student Position in Developmental Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research – Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm

Job Description

The Johan Ericson research group at Karolinska Institutet (Department of Cell and Molecular Biology) is seeking a highly motivated PhD student 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 group studies the molecular mechanisms that control cell fate specification, commitment and neuronal differentiation during development, with a particular focus on the spinal cord and brainstem. It has developed robust methods for generating midbrain dopaminergic neurons, serotonergic neurons and motor neurons from human pluripotent stem cells, and works towards stem cell-based therapies for Parkinson's disease.

The overall aim of the doctoral project is to investigate the developmental mechanisms that control the generation of specific neuronal identities and to apply this knowledge to improve the differentiation of hPSCs into defined neuronal populations. The project will primarily focus on dopaminergic and oculomotor neurons developing in the midbrain, and will include the evaluation of neuronal progenitor cells and dopamine neurons in preclinical experimental animal models. Co-supervisor Professor Eva Hedlund (Stockholm University) contributes expertise in motor neuron development, ALS and Parkinson's disease.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform and develop protocols for differentiating human pluripotent stem cells into defined neuronal cell types, including mesencephalic dopaminergic and oculomotor neurons
• Investigate 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 stem cell-derived neuronal populations, including preclinical studies when relevant
• Analyse and interpret data and present results at lab meetings, seminars and conferences
• Work collaboratively within the lab and with researchers from complementary disciplines
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts from the project

Qualifications

• General eligibility (A): a second-cycle/Master's degree, or at least 240 credits with at least 60 at advanced level, or substantially equivalent knowledge
• Specific eligibility (B): English proficiency equivalent to English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school
• Master's degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, neuroscience, neurochemistry, biomedicine, biotechnology or a related field

Experience

Previous laboratory experience in molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, neuroscience and/or stem cell biology. Practical experience with human iPSC culture, and with specifying iPSCs into dopamine and/or oculomotor neurons, is an advantage.

Skills Required

• Human iPSC culture (advantage)
• Immunocytochemistry, fluorescence and confocal microscopy (advantage)
• qPCR, DNA/RNA analysis, quantitative image analysis (advantage)
• Analytical and problem-solving skills; careful planning and documentation
• Excellent written and spoken English

Additional Information

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