Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD-research fellowship as PhD candidate in the project “Astrocyte-driven brain hyperexcitability as novel treatment target for epilepsy”.

There is a striking lack of knowledge of the specific cellular mechanisms at play in epilepsy. For instance, the process transforming normal brain matter to a focus for epileptic seizures is elusive. Furthermore, key questions like “What cellular mechanisms set in motion or terminate an epileptic seizure?” and “How is brain excitability regulated” remain largely unanswered.

The aim of this project is to dissect mechanisms eliciting and curbing brain hyperexcitability, increasing our understanding of epilepsy and its relation to mechanisms involved in migraine. The project has the potential to leverage novel treatment concepts for these conditions.

Representative articles illustrating the topic and type of experimental work and analyses we perform can be found in some of our recent papers:

Enger and Heuser 2024, Front Netw Physiol

Bojarskaite et al. 2023, Nature Communications

Heuser et al. 2018 Cereb Cortex

 

The application must contain:

• Cover letter statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• Complete list of publications and academic works
• List of reference persons: 2–3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)
• Deadline for application: June 15th, 2024
• Start: Earliest start date October 1st 2024, later start can be possible, depending on circumstances
• Contact: Research group leader Kjell Heuser, Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital HF, dr.heuser@gmail.com, or +4792414568, and/or Associate Professor Rune Enger, Department of neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, HF, rune.enger@medisin.uio.no, or +4790534262

Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We belive this is essential to perform the tasks required of us. Therefore, we pursue diversity among our job applicants and encourage everyone to apply regardless of who you are and what background you have.

Kvalifikasjoner:

The following skills will be considered beneficial but are not obligatory:

• Basic understanding of neuroscience and/or experience in experimental neuroscience.
• Experience with data analysis.
• Experience with working in the lab and/or with live animals.
• Programming skills.
• Knowledge on statistical methods, including regression models or machine learning.

Personlige egenskaper:

• Highly motivated and accurate candidate
• Good problem-solving skills
• Ability to work both independently and as integrated member of a multidisciplinary team
• Good communication skills and teaching abilities
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Vi tilbyr:

• A workplace in the heart of Oslo, with rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• A safe workplace with strong support from colleagues
• Excellent opportunities for professional and personal development
• Contribution to an important societal mission
• Training programs and courses, fostering the development of specialized skills
• Employment in an IA-certified company with pension scheme and insurance
• Salary in accordance with collective agreements for a Ph.D. position