PhD scholarship in neurobiology and memory formation in box jellyfish

A PhD scholarship is available from March 1st, 2016 (or shortly thereafter) at the Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. The Marine Biological Section is a highly dynamic and international research group with approximately 90 students and employees. For more information please visit: http://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/marinebiology/



Project area

The PhD position is part of a project entitled “Learning and Memory Formation in the Box Jellyfish Tripedalia cystophora” funded by the Danish Research Council for Independent Research, which in turn is part of a larger project on the neurobiology of box jellyfish. The PhD project will seek to confirm the preliminary results indicating that box jellyfish are able to learn and form memory in connecting with certain behaviors. Part of this is done through a series of behavioral experiments combining mechanosensory and visual input. In addition the successful candidate will be performing neurophysiological experiments and molecular examinations (e.g. transcriptomics and In situ hybridization) of the CNS of the box jellyfish to pinpoint physiological, structural, and biochemical changes in connection with learning. The molecular work will happen in collaboration with American and Danish partners.     



Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a Master’s degree (MSc) in Biology and is expected to work on behavior, neurophysiology and molecular biology of box jellyfish. The work will be a combination of field and laboratory studies. Candidates with the following scientific background/qualifications will be preferred for the position:

 

• M.Sc in Biology
• Practical experience with molecular biology, especially transcriptomics and in situ hybridization, of invertebrates
• Practical experience with electrophysiology on marine invertebrates
• Good collaboration and communication skills (written and oral English)
• Structured and analytical working approach
• Able to engage in teamwork within the research group and with other collaborators

Application

Applicants are requested to submit their application electronically by using the link below including:

 

• A letter of motivation for the application with statement of research interests (max 1 page)
• A curriculum vitae (max 2 pages)
• List of publications (if applicable)
• Copy of Bachelor and Masters Diplomas and transcripts - other relevant certificates, including grades
• A short abstract of the M.Sc. thesis or equivalent
• Contact details of at least two persons for references

Procedures

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant himself/herself.



The final selection of successful candidates will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee. Successful candidates will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. For more information see: http://www.science.ku.dk/english/research/phd  



Terms of salary and employment

Terms of appointment and payment are in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Federation of Professional Associations (AC). The starting salary for candidates with an MSc degree will be a minimum of DKK 306,667 (April 2015 level) plus pension contribution, with the possibility of salary negotiation.



The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.



The deadline for applications is January 1, 2016.



Applications received after the deadline, or with insufficient documentation or otherwise not complying with the above requirements, may not be considered. It is expected that the successful candidate will be enrolled at the PhD School of Science no later than March 1st, 2016.



For further information please contact Assoc. Prof. Anders Garm: algarm@bio.ku.dk. **Please do not post your application to this address**