PhD in Medical science with an orientation towards Physiology - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, is seeking a PhD in Medical Science with an orientation towards Physiology. The main research areas within the Department of Integrative Medical Biology are Neurobiology, Myology and Diabetes as well as Endocytosis and Exocytosis. The Department belongs to the Faculty of Medicine, which offers a wide variety of courses and programs, world leading research, and excellent innovation and collaboration opportunities.

Description of the PhD-Project

The project aims at identifying the mechanisms of chloride-mediated regulation of neuronal signaling in the central nervous system. In particular, the research will be focused on the effects of intracellular chloride dynamics on neuronal excitability, neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity. The PhD student will combine electrophysiological and optogenetic approaches to study how alterations of chloride concentration in pre- and postsynaptic compartments contribute to synaptic function in central neurons using in vitro and in vivo animal models. 

Qualifications

The applicant is required to have completed a university level degree of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at Master program level.

Admission requirements

For doctoral studies in medical science with an orientation towards physiology it is a good merit if the applicant have completed a university course in physiology. Also, good skills in both spoken and written English are a requirement for the position. Evaluation of these skills is made by having the intended PhD student present his/her research plan in English for the Department’s designated postgraduate education group. 

Merits

• Master’s degree in medicine, biomedicine or similar.
• Documented training in neurobiology.
• Previous experiences of research work in, or close to, the project area, in particular including the patch-clamp technique and brain microinjections.
• Documented education in Swedish legislation and ethics, animal welfare and 3R.
• Good capacity to work both independently and as part of a team.

Terms of employment

The position is expected to result in a doctoral degree and is equivalent to four years full time studies with startdate 2021-07-01 or upon agreement. The PhD student will be enrolled in the PhD program at Umeå university, IMB. The salary is based on the Umeå University salary scale. 

Application submission

A complete application should contain the following documents:

• A cover letter including a description of your research interests, your reasons to apply for the position, and your contact information
• A curriculum vitae
• Copies of degree certificates and other completed academic courses
• Contact information for two reference persons

The application must be written in Swedish or English. Documents must be in Word or pdf format. Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system Varbi, and be received no later than 2021-05-06 

According to the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 12, Section 2), the decision on employment as a PhD student cannot be appealed.