PhD Student - University of Leicester

EU Marie Sklodowska-Curie PhD studentship ‘MiND’: put your mind to work on ADHD and autism.

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to develop novel zebrafish models of ADHD and autism. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting both children and adults. Despite their societal importance, progress in understanding disease biology has been slow and treatment options are limited.

The pan-European training network MiND (www.MiND-project.eu), a strategic collaboration of world-leading academic groups, research-intensive commercial enterprises and patient organizations, aims to substantially increase our knowledge about the etiology of ADHD and ASD through interdisciplinary research. We combine advanced (epi-)genetics, epidemiological, and neuroscientific approaches with bioinformatics and will develop novel cell and animal models of increasing complexity to understand the biology of cognition. Our mechanistic work is embedded in a framework exploring disease definitions for ADHD and ASD across the lifespan and will contribute substantially to improved disease management. Within MiND, we will identify new compounds for pharmacological treatment, establish novel animal models to test these, probe the microbiome for dietary interventions reducing symptoms and evaluate mindfulness training as a non-pharmacological treatment option.

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.

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. All applications should be sent to the respective recruitment officer before Monday the 26th April 2015.

ESR11: Novel zebrafish models for neuropsychiatric disorders

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. You will also have frequent interaction with other MiND partners, including the labs of Dr Annette Schenck in Nijmegen, the Netherlands (Fly models of ADHD and ASD) and Dr Andreas Reif in Frankfurt, Germany (Mouse models of ADHD and ASD).

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.