Doctoral Candidate Position 8 - University of Aarhus, Denmark
Investigating molecular mechanisms underlying the Sex dimorphism in the immune response in Parkinson's disease.
Description of project
The risk to develop Parkinson's disease is higher in male than female. Moeover, the presentaion fo the disease differes between sexes. Microgliosis is a common pathological observation in the brain of people with Parkinson's disease. Novel unpublished AU data from an α-synuclein based PD model using single cell RNA sequencing showed a significant difference between sexes in the immune response in brain (microglia and macrophages). We believe this immune sex-dimorphism relates to the higher PD risk seen in males. To explore this we will analyse and compare the existing data in the PD rodent model with relevant human databases and selected transcript confirmed/validated in vitro using human male and female (iPSC-derived). The significance of the selected differentially regulated genes will be confirmed using in vitro assays and the potential neuroprotection tested in vivo by using transgenic or knock-out mice. α-synuclein pathology, neurodegeneration and central and peripheral immune responses will be evaluated. The project integrates techniques from in vivo modelling, and cell culture, histology and advanced microscopy, flow cytometry and other single cell techniques providing a multidisciplinary approach to investigating immune regulation in PD. Ultimately, this work could lead to the identification of novel drugs that modulate, offering potential new avenues for treating PD and related disorders.
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
- Experience in working with immune cells and/or neurobiology
- Experience with laboratory animal work and/or cell culture
- Experience in time management and teamwork
- Above-average commitment, ability to work independently and integrate into an interdisciplinary team
- Scientific curiosity and passion
- Strong work ethic
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 Denmark for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date.
- The applicant must have a relevant higher education degree. The educational level will be assessed to determine whether it comply with entry requirements (120 ECTS credits or a similar relevant five-year degree programme). If the applicant holds a degree other than a Danish Master's degree, the degree is assessed by the Danish Agency for Science and Higher Education - please find more information
- Excellent communication skills in English are considered essential, and the applicant must be able to read, write, and speak academic English fluently. English language requirement is comparable to a minimum of TOEFL 83 or IELTS 6.5 or CEFR C1-level. Documenting required proficiency in English is mandatory at the time of enrolment (We accept test results that are more than two years old). This means, you can apply without documenting required language skills, but you cannot be enrolled without submitting the required documentation.
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)
Terms of employment (at AU)
- Appointment as a PhD requires academic qualifications at two years master's degree level (120 ECTS).
- Further information on the appointment procedure can be found in the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
- The appointment is in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne).
- Further information on qualification requirements and job description can be found in the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.
Eligibility criteria
Aarhus University's ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. 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.)
- Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor's and master's degrees
- 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 abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor's and master's education, in addition to other higher education. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.
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
Dept of Biomedicine, Aarhus University
The department of Biomedicine prioritises diversity and a good work environment, as this is a prerequisite for groundbreaking research. In a diverse and international research environment, dedicated employees are looking to generate new knowledge within biomedical research areas such as infection and inflammation, membranes, neuroscience and personalised medicine. The Department of Biomedicine provides research-based teaching of the highest quality and is responsible for a large part of the medical degree programme. Academic staff contribute to the teaching. English is the preferred language in the laboratory, at meetings and at seminars. The department employs approx. 500 people from all over the world, and they make use of the department's modern laboratory-, core- and animal facilities. The Department of Biomedicine focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration with business and industry, and numerous researchers from the department have established companies to develop new medicinal treatments founded in professional scientific basic research. You can read more about the department at this website and about the faculty at this website.
Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 39,000 students (FTEs) and 8,000 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 884 million. Learn more at this website.
Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark at this website. Aarhus University also has a Junior Researcher Development Programme. You can read more about it at this website.