Doctoral student in Medical Science - Reactive astrocytes and neurodegeneration

The PhD education in Medical Science comprises carrying out a scientific project and completing at least 30 credits of courses at third-cycle level. The doctoral student must also write a scientific compilation thesis or monograph corresponding to at least 120 credits. For more information about third-cycle studies at Sahlgrenska Academy, see https://www.gu.se/en/sahlgrenska-akademin/doctoral-studies

Project: We and others demonstrated that astrocytes are involved in processes ranging from the establishment and maintenance of neuronal synapses, regulation of synaptic transmission and blood flow, to the control of both neuroprotective and regenerative responses in the brain. These findings identify astrocytes as a major factor in the maintenance of brain health, point to astrocytes as central players in many brain diseases, and make them a novel target for the treatment of brain diseases. We and others previously demonstrated that reactive gliosis, while beneficial in many neurological diseases, can in specific disease contexts become maladaptive, with severe consequences for the CNS homeostasis and function. We hypothesize that the maladaptive response of reactive astrocytes is the core mechanism leading to the development and progression of some neurodegenerative disorders. The project will address cellular and molecular mechanisms of astrocyte malfunction and provide the basis for designing future treatment strategies for neurodegenerative conditions with maladaptive role of reactive astrocytes. The project will include advanced cell culture techniques, including iPS-derived astrocytes, immunocytochemistry, high content image and data analysis, transcriptomics, bioinformatics and related analytical methods. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for third-cycle studies, the applicant must meet both the general and specific entry requirements.

A person meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle studies if he or she:
1. has been awarded a second-cycle qualification
2. has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
3. has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad

A person meets the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies in Medical Science if he or she has successfully completed the English B/6 course or is considered to have acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies

 

How to apply:

https://web103.reachmee.com/ext/I005/1035/job?site=7&lang=UK&validator=9b89bead79bb7258ad55c8d75228e5b7&job_id=22053

Deadline: 
09/11/2021