Call for applications for a fully financed PhD fellowship
The Human Cortex Lab at the Department of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Medicine offers a PhD position in translational neuro-oncology research and cancer-neuroscience. The position is fully funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark. The PhD project will be conducted in close collaboration with the Department of Molecular Medicine, Jens Nyengaard, Bjarne W. Kristensen, and Joachim Weischenfeldt.
Despite extensive efforts, glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers. The vast heterogeneity of tumor cells contributes significantly to challenges in effectively targeting GBM, resulting in treatment failure and poor patient prognosis. Recent animal studies have demonstrated that pacemaker-like tumor cells generate Ca2+ transients in GBM. These transients spread across larger gap junction based networks within the tumor environment, facilitating tumor growth. Confirming the pacemaker cells and their autonomous Ca2+ transients in human GBM, and their potential as targets in novel treatment regimens, are actively researched.
The present PhD project aims to comprehensively characterize GBM pacemaker cells in humans. This will include identifying signaling pathways and drug targets through morphological and genetic mapping, and investigating their electrophysiological properties. The project includes cross-functional and international collaboration.
The project is conducted in collaboration with leading researchers in Heidelberg Neuro-Oncology and will entail international exchange.
The Human Cortex Lab is a part of the Department of Clinical Medicine. Together with the department, we share core values of high-quality research-based education with societal impact through collaboration and open research.
Our lab is an integral part of the neuroscientific research environment at Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital (AUH). With our research facilities located at AUH, we conduct translational neuroscience research and maintain close contact with the clinic. The focal point of our experiments centers on human brain tissue, utilizing a wide range of advanced and cutting-edge techniques aimed at expanding our understanding of neuroscience and clinical neuro-oncology.
The succesful candidate must have following qualifications:
1. Hold an MSc in Human Biology, Molecular Medicine, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, or similar that is equivalent to a Danish master's degree (120 ECTS)
2. Ambitious and independent
3. Hands-on experience and skills in one or more of the following areas:
4. Execellent communication skills in written and oral English
5. Collaborative skills
6. Proactive and team-oriented
General responsibilities include:
Please submit your application via this link. Application deadline is 29 November 2024 23:59 CET. Preferred starting date is 1 January 2025.
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide.
Please contact Clinical Associate Professor Anders Rosendal Korshøj, anders.r.korshoj@clin.au.dk, for more information.
All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
