SmartAge ESR project 6

Host Organization: Karolinska Institute, Sweden

Secondments:  University Hospital Jena, Germany / CROmed Research, Hungary

The Department of Neuroscience (head of project: Prof. Dr. Rochellys Diaz Heijtz) at the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, offers a PhD position for an Early-Stage Researcher (ESR) for the project: Role of the bacterial peptidoglycan-sensing molecule Pglyrp2 in cognitive aging. The position is part of the EU-funded Innovative Training Network SmartAge (“Gut-brain-axis: Targets for improvement of cognition in the elderly”) with full-time employment for a duration of 3 years, starting in March 2021.

Objective of the project: The proposed PhD project is part of the Diaz Heijtz Lab lab’s effort to understand the role of pattern recognition receptors of the innate immune system that recognize microbial products, such as peptidoglycans (PGN) on gut microbiome-brain interactions. The overarching goals of the PhD project are twofold: (1) to elucidate the specific role of the bacterial PGN sensing molecule Pglyrp2 in cognitive aging; and (2) the potential beneficial effects of late life interventions such as physical exercise and prebiotic dietary supplementation on cognitive aging.

The PhD student will join the Diaz Heijtz Laboratory (https://ki.se/en/neuro/diaz-heijtz-laboratory), which is interested in understanding the contribution of both genetic and environmental factors on the development of motor, affective and cognitive functions. One such environmental factor is the gut microbiota that over evolutionary time has adapted to coexist not merely in a commensal (non-harmful coexistence), but rather in a mutualistic relationship with mammals. Over the past decades, studies have revealed that gut microbiota interact and perform numerous critical functions for their host, including dietary energy extraction, the production of vitamins, protection against invading gut pathogens, as well as promoting the development and function of the immune system. Beyond these functions, the gut microbiota is emerging as a key modulator of brain function and behavior. The Diaz Heijtz lab was among the first to demonstrate that commensal gut microbiota exerts an influence well beyond the periphery of the body, extending into brain development and behavior. The interdisciplinary research program of the Diaz Heijtz Lab includes basic and clinical studies investigating the influence of gut microbiota on brain and behavior.

Requirements for the applicant:

1. You have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree) or
2. you have satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the advanced/second-cycle/master level, or
3. you have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.*

Follow the instructions on the web page https://education.ki.se/entry-requirements-eligibility-fordoctoral-education

*If you claim equivalent knowledge, follow the instructions on the web page https://education.ki.se/assessing-equivalent-knowledge-for-general-eligibility-for-doctoral-education

Furthermore, the applicant should be a talented, enthusiastic student with a profound interest in the microbiome-gut-brain axis field. The successful candidate should be self-motivated and can work productively and dynamically in a group. She/he is expected to actively contribute to both the practical and theoretical parts of the project, and to have excellent communication and organizational skills. Proficiency in oral and written English is mandatory (Show proficiency in English equivalent to the course English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school).  Applicants should hold a masters' degree (or equivalent) in neurobiology, pharmaceutical sciences, or another relevant life science /medical fields. Excellent and documented laboratory skills in basic molecular and biochemical techniques are a requirement. Previous experience in the field of microbiome research, animal behavior, and molecular biology will be considered as an advantage in the selection process. Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Please note the eligibility criteria for researchers: Candidates must be in the first four years of his/her research career, not have a doctoral degree, and not have resided in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date.

Selection process: Interested candidates please send a motivation letter, a CV including publications (if available), copies of university degrees and courses (including obtained grades), and the names and e-mail addresses of two scientists who can provide references (all summarized in one pdf) to . Preferential treatment will be given to applications received before 30 November 2020.

For more information concerning the research project please contact Prof. Dr. Rochellys Diaz Heijtz (email: ) and visit https://ki.se/en/neuro/diaz-heijtz-laboratory .