The University of Luxembourg has the following vacancy in its Systems Biology Group at the Life Sciences Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Technology and Communication:
Doctoral candidate (PhD student) in Epigenetic Regulation of Dopamine Neuron Function (M/F)
- 14-month contract, extendable up to 4 years, 40 hours/week (full time)
- Student status
- Start date: 1st of May, 2016
- Ref: R-AGR-0667-11-C
For a recently awarded FNR CORE grant on Identification of Novel Genetic and Epigenetic Modulators of Dopaminergic Neuron Structure and Function, we are recruiting a PhD student interested to carry out transcriptomic and epigenomic analysis of mouse brain sections and validation experiments using iPS cell-derived neuronal cells. The project will be carried out as a collaboration between the Systems Biology group at the Life Sciences Research Unit (LSRU) and the Neuropathology Core Unit at the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) of University of Luxembourg together with external partners in Europe and USA.
The PhD student will be affiliated with the Systems Biology group of Prof. Thomas Sauter and supervised by Dr. Lasse Sinkkonen, the head of the Epigenomics team. The Systems Biology group integrates computational approaches and experimental biology to understand cellular function and gene regulation in development and disease at the genome-wide level. In addition, the student will work closely with Dr. Manuel Buttini and a newly recruited post-doc at the Neuropathology Core Unit to take an interdisciplinary approach combining transcriptomic and epigenomic analysis with mouse genetics, metabolomics and histological analysis to identify novel genes and regulatory regions modulating dopaminergic neuron structure and function.
Your Role
- Carry out research and prepare a doctoral thesis in Epigenomics/Neurobiology
- Perform RNA-seq and ChIP-seq experiments with dissected mouse brain tissues
- Carry out cell culture experiments with iPS cells and differentiated neurons together with local collaborators (Prof. Rejko Krüger)
- Contribute to the computational analysis of deep sequencing data
- Actively work with the collaborators to integrate the obtained results
- Contribute to the teaching activities at the University of Luxembourg
Your Profile
- Master in biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or related discipline
- Experience in experimental lab work and cell culture is expected
- Strong interest in bioinformatics and computational analysis will be an advantage
- Excellent working knowledge of English is required
- The candidate will be integrated into a collaborative environment and needs to have excellent communication skills
We offer
- Fully funded position
- An exciting international and interdisciplinary research environment
- Modern and well-equipped laboratories
- Training in state-of-the-art methods and analysis tools in neurobiology and functional genomics
- Travel opportunities to visit workshops, scientific conferences and collaborators
- The University offers highly competitive salaries based on the candidate's experience and is an equal opportunity employer.
Further Information
For further information, please contact Dr. Lasse Sinkkonen at lasse.sinkkonen@uni.lu
Applications should be written in English and contain the following documents:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae including a list of publications (if any)
- Cover letter mentioning the reference number
- Description of past research experience and future interests
- Transcript of grades from all university-level courses taken
- Names and contact information from three referees
Interested candidates are invited to send their complete application online until March 11th, 2016.
Application website: http://emea3.mrted.ly/y6cw
