Doctoral; PhD) student position in developmental neuroscience

Doctoral (PhD) Student Position in Developmental Neuroscience

The position is in Eric Herlenius' research group at the Department of Women's and Children's Health, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet with Michael Hagemann-Jensen as co-supervisor. The Herlenius laboratory investigates the development and dysfunction of cardiorespiratory and autonomic control, with particular focus on how brainstem neural networks, inflammation, and inflammatory signaling contribute to breathing disorders in newborns and children. By integrating studies in patients with animal and in vitro models, the group aims to identify the molecular and neurodevelopmental mechanisms underlying respiratory dysfunction and translate these findings into improved biological and physiological markers, diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies.

The PhD project aims to study perinatal development and regulation of vital cardiorespiratory brainstem neural networks. The overall objective is to define cellular and molecular mechanisms governing respiratory development, including the effects of inflammation and birth-related transitions on these networks.

The studies will combine rodent models with advanced molecular methods, including single cell-RNA-sequencing, with particular emphasis on Smart-seq3xpress and spatial transcriptomics methods including MERSCOPE, and TRISCO platforms. A central component of the project will be the computational analysis and integration of single-cell and spatial transcriptomic datasets.

The doctoral student is expected to formulate research questions and hypotheses; design, conduct, and evaluate experiments; analyze complex multi-modal datasets; complete doctoral courses; write scientific manuscripts; and communicate research findings to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. The student will work closely with PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and other researchers in the Herlenius and Hagemann-Jensen laboratories.

The position is particularly suitable for a candidate with strong bioinformatics and programming skills. The student will be expected to develop and apply computational workflows, including statistical and deep-learning-based approaches, to analyze and integrate single-cell RNA-sequencing data with spatially resolved transcriptomic and tissue-imaging data. The student will present results regularly to both general and specialized scientific audiences.

A creative and inspiring environment full of expertise and curiosity. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. As a doctoral student you are offered an individual research project, a well-educated supervisor, a vast range of elective courses and the opportunity to work in a leading research group.

Karolinska Institutet collaborates with prominent universities from all around the world, which ensures opportunities for international exchanges. You will be employed on a doctoral studentship which means that you receive a contractual salary. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

In order to participate in the selection for a doctoral position, you must meet the following general and specific eligibility requirements at latest by the Final date to receive applications.

It is your responsibility to certify eligibility by following the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

General eligibility requirement You meet the general eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

Follow the instructions on the web page Entry requirements…