Fully-Funded PhD position in Norton laboratory, University of Leicester
Fully-Funded PhD position in Norton laboratory, University of Leicester
The MiND programme is now looking for 15 highly motivated Early Stage Researchers (ESRs), researchers with a BSc or MSc degree within the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research career. We offer a comprehensive, interactive and international PhD training programme covering innovative and state-of-the-art approaches to current ADHD and ASD research. Training will be staged according to the 5 ‘i’ principle: innovation-oriented, intersectoral, international, interdisciplinary and individualized. The programme will combine research-specific skills, complementary skills and soft skills, and will involve both the academic and private sectors aimed to prepare all researchers optimally for their future careers.
Short descriptions of the individual projects and the details on how to apply for them are given below. All applications should be sent to the respective recruitment officer before Monday the 2nd of February 2015.
Applications should consist of an up-to-date CV as well as a cover letter including the applicants’ motives to apply and the contact details of two referees. Only complete applications will be considered. According to the requirements of the prestigious Marie Sklodowska Curie Training Programme, applicants may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, study, etc.) for more than 12 months in the last 3 years in the country of the host institute of a position of interest. Applicants should have an excellent proficiency in written and spoken English. A mobility allowance and a family allowance (where applicable) are part of the employment package. Acquisition following this vacancy is not appreciated.
The project
The aim of this project is to screen for novel drugs treatments for ADHD and ASD using zebrafish as a model organism. The PhD student will first generate novel zebrafish mutant lines harbouring mutations in genes that are linked to ADHD- and ASD in human patients. You will characterise the behaviour of these mutants (focusing on hyperactivity and impulsivity) and perform a drug screen using a behavioural platform already established in our laboratory. This PhD will provide excellent training in using zebrafish as a translational model for biomedical research as well as providing close interactions with the other MiND groups studying animal models.
Who are we?
The University of Leicester is a world-class research institution located in Leicester, UK. The Norton lab, located in the department of Biology, is a member of the Neuroscience and Behaviour theme that brings together internationally respected groups that focus on the formation of motor circuits, sensory motor control and animal models of human disease. Your employment will initially be for one year and can be extended by an additional 2 years subject to a positive evaluation. Five months of intersectoral training in the second year of training will be spent at Viewpoint Lifesciences, an innovative behavioural software company located in Lyon, France.
Who are we looking for?
- You are highly motivated to work in an interdisciplinary environment at the cutting edge of science and have an affinity with using animal models to understand human disease.
- You have good communicational and well-developed social skills.
How to apply?
Applications should be submitted to Dr. Will Norton (whjn1@le.ac.uk), who can also provide additional information about the vacancy. Please indicate “ETN MiND PhD application” in the subject line of your e-mail.