PhD in Early Human Brain Development Using Brain Organoids

Background:
Recently, the possibility to differentiate human iPSCs into organized 3D structures, brain organoids, has provided an efficient tool to study neuronal development in a more advanced model than classic 2D cultures with mature neurons and advanced tissue architecture. Brain organoids are formed by cellular self-organization of neurons and astrocytes, resulting in the formation of distinct and interdependent brain regions ex vivo. Moreover, brain organoids developed over extended periods exhibit active neuronal networks, including the formation of organized and active synapses. The cellular diversity and 3D organization observed in brain organoids represent an advantage for modelling complex interactions observed in the neural microenvironment, including synaptic transmission in synaptosomes.

The project aims at characterizing the molecular processes in developing brain organoids using quantitative proteomics, modification specific proteomics (PTMomics), metabolomics, bioinformatics and imaging.

Location of the project:
The project is located in the research group of Professor Martin R. Larsen, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Southern Denmark.

The Larsen research group is part of the Protein Research Group (PRG) at the University of Southern Denmark (sdu) in Odense, Denmark. Odense is located only one hour from the main capital of Denmark, Copenhagen. The PRG was founded 45 years ago by the recognized protein and biological mass spectrometry researcher Professor Peter Roepstorff and is internationally recognized for their contributions within biological mass spectrometry, proteomics, biomedical research and clinical proteomics. Today, the PRG consists of a large research environment with nine individual research groups and more than 60 scientists, postdocs and students who share laboratory facilities and research environment. The PRG has a fantastic student environment with many multicultural inputs.

The PRG has the newest mass spectrometers for biological mass spectrometry applications including one Orbitrap Fusion Lumos Tribrid, one Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid, two Orbitrap Exploris and two Q-Exactive HF. In addition, the PRG has a large fully equipped protein chemistry/proteomics laboratory, cell laboratory facilities and bioinformatics that will be available for the present project.

The Larsen group has for the past 20 years developed a large number of methods for assessment of PTMs in proteomics, including the Titanium Dioxide method (Larsen MR et al., Mol. Cell. Proteomics 2005) used by many research groups worldwide for isolation of phosphorylated peptides for characterization of signal transduction pathways in mammalian systems. The Larsen group research focus is centrered on investigation of the role of PTMs in system biology and biomedicine and development of new innovative methods for assessment of PTMs in biological samples. The Larsen group has a significant amount of national and international collaborations and is publishing in higher ranging journals.

Qualifications
A successful candidate should preferentially have a Master's or Honour's degree in cell biology, molecular biology, proteomics or a related field and should be highly motivated and innovative. A candidate with significant experience in brain organoids, functional proteomics, post-translational modification analysis, LC-based mass spectrometry and bioinformatics is preferable. Excellent communication and writing skills and an ability to interact socially and scientifically with other laboratory members and collaborators are essential.

For further information please contact Professor Martin Røssel Larsen, tel.: +45 6011 1872, e-mail: [email protected]

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

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

Application must be made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:
• A research proposal/description of your approach to the above project (max one page excluding references)
• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) (please attach this under box "Application form")
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades
• At least two signed reference letters. Should your referees wish to send their letters directly to us, please have them use e-mail: [email protected] mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. And please note that these also need to reach us before deadline.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply online". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF or Word format. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply before you apply.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.