Doctoral Candidate Position 5 - Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Molecular pathways of mitochondria-immune interaction
Description of project
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Emerging evidence highlights mitochondrial dysfunction as a central factor in PD pathology, with damaged mitochondria contributing to immune activation and neuroinflammation. In this context, disruptions in cellular energy systems, particularly within mitochondria, can trigger harmful responses, including immune system activation. This PhD project aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms by which mitochondrial dysfunction, alongside changes in the activity of the key intracellular energy sensor, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), influences inflammatory responses in PD. By exploring the interplay between cellular energy regulation, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response in PD-related neurodegeneration, we aim to identify potential molecular targets within the AMPK-mitochondria axis that could inform therapeutic strategies for PD-related neurodegeneration.
The research will determine the effects of the most frequent PD-associated mutations (GBA, LRRK2, PRKN and PINK1) on the transcription and protein profiles of mitochondria-inflammatory interaction in genetically altered cell lines and human PBMCs, using omics approaches. The key findings will then be confirmed in skin-derived fibroblasts and iPSCs-derived neurons from patients with most common genetic risks for development of PD, recruited at the Clinic for Neurology, University Clinical Center of Serbia. Finally, using the newly synthesized reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitors, their effect on mitochondrial functions will be evaluated.
Required selection criteria
- Excellent track record in relation to the opportunity
- Completed two years (120ECTS) Master's degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry or related
- Very good communication and collaboration skills and fluency in English
Preferred selection criteria
- Scientific curiosity and passion
- Above-average commitment, ability to work independently and integrate into an interdisciplinary team
- Some experience in working with cell culture and/or neurobiology or flow-cytometry
- Experience in time management and teamwork
Specific Requirements
- Must not already hold a doctoral degree
- Must comply with the MSC Action mobility rule: not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Serbia for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date.
- You must meet the requirements for admission to the Doctoral academic (PhD) studies at Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, modul Molecular Medicine.
Benefits
- Access to state-of-the-art training within the BICEPS doctoral network, at an academic, and industry level
- Opportunities to collaborate with discipline specific world leading researchers
- A mobility allowance to support relocation
- A family allowance for the relocation of family (terms and conditions apply)
Eligibility criteria
The University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine strives to be a faculty in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility, and we are constructively working on creating a safe and pleasant environment. We consider that diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research.
Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP) and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers.
Selection process
The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English. Applications should include:
- Complete CV (name, address, degree(s) with transcript(s) of grades, research experience, educational and employment history, publications etc.)
- Letter of application (max. 1 page) including a short explanation of the applicant's motivation to undertake a PhD
- Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor's and master's degrees
- For the candidates that have acquired 300 ECTS, a copy of the master's thesis. If you recently have submitted your master's thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master's degree must be presented before taking up the position.
- Names, contact details (including email addresses) of at least two referees
If all, or parts, of your education have been completed outside of Serbia, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor's and master's education or integrated academic studies of medicine, in addition to other higher education. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation. If selected, the candidates must proceed to the recognition of foreign higher education documents for the purpose of further education at the University of Belgrade (see this website).
Please use the harmonized Application Form before the deadline of 15-February 2025. Candidates are encouraged to apply early. Applications will be accepted until this deadline and considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Applications submitted by post or email will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.
In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience, and personal and interpersonal qualities.
Additional comments
The Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade (FMUB), the largest medical school in the Balkans, is a member part of the University of Belgrade, that was established in 1808s. Education rooted in research, as envisioned by the Faculty's founders, was reasserted at the beginning of the new millennium. The quality of FMUB's PhD studies was recognized in 2014 when the Organisation for PhD Education in Biomedicine and Health Sciences in the European System (ORPHEUS) awarded FMUB the prestigious ORPHEUS label for excellence in doctoral education, in accordance with ORPHEUS/AMSE (Association of Medical Schools in Europe) and WFME (World Federation for Medical Education) standards. FMUB is equipped with excellent cell biology, biochemical, molecular biology and imaging facilities, and is affiliated with the University Clinical Center of Serbia-the largest clinical center in the western Balkans, ensuring access to patient samples. Special emphasis is placed attention on involving lecturers from foreign universities (invited lecturers by FMUB) in teaching, delivering lectures in a virtual environment. FMUB has a very large and vibrant student community, with a growing number of international students enrolled in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs each year.
The position offers a gross monthly salary of €1,680, paid in Serbian dinars, reflecting the cost of living in Serbia. The position is limited to a period of 3 years. The first year constitutes a probationary period, with an evaluation of the candidate's performance after 9 months. The objective of this evaluation is to establish whether the candidate will be able to finish a PhD thesis in the remaining period.