Doctoral Candidate Position 6 - Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
The immune-inflammation axis as an early diagnostic target in PD
Description of project
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Large body of evidence points to immune system dysfunction as an important factor in PD pathology, with damaged mitochondria contributing to immune activation and neuroinflammation. Immunological maladaptation to protein aggregates and glycolipid accumulation is obvious in PD, but it is still unclear what are the immunological traits of PD patients and which of these can be normalized following therapy.
We aim to remedy this important issue by in-depth analysis of PD patients' immunological profiles, by biochemical, immunophenotype, transcriptional, genetic and epigenetic studies, using state-of-the-art methodology including advanced flow-cytometry and cell sorting, real-time PCR for transcription and genetic polymorphism studies and CpG methylation analysis of the selected genetic loci. More specifically, this PhD project aims to identify immune and inflammatory markers in CSF and peripheral blood in previously and newly diagnosed PD patients, recruited and treated at the Clinic for Neurology, University Clinical Center of Serbia; to assess the possibility of patient stratification in terms of treatment and prognosis based on the markers; Finally, we aim to determine possible molecular targets within the immune-inflammation axis that may be suitable for the therapeutic modulation.
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
Faculty of Medicine University of Belgrade - (FMUB) is the largest medical school in the Balkans. It is a part of the University of Belgrade, which was founded in 1808. FMUB is ranked 1st for Medicine in ex Yugoslavia. Main research topics are Pathology, Psychiatry, Surgery, Immunology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Radiology and Nuclear medicine. Today we have one of the most diverse international populations of any university in the region. Choose for PhD studies with us and you will benefit from - and contribute to - this vibrant, diverse and multicultural community. The cost of living in Belgrade is reasonable. The cost of food, rent, clothing, cultural and sports activities are usually lower than the EU average.
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.