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HUMAN PLURIPOTENT STEM CELLS AS A MODEL FOR OVARIAN DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTION

The PhD student will carry out her/his doctoral research and training jointly at two degree-awarding universities, and will be awarded a double PhD degree from the University of Helsinki (Finland) as the main host and the Karolinska Institute (Stockholm, Sweden) as the co-host.

UNIVERSITIES AND RESEARCH UNITS

A successful candidate will be selected to work on a research project coordinated by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (https://researchportal.helsinki.fi/en/organisations/department-of-obstet…) at the University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital. The main focus of the group is to study the development and function of the somatic cells of the gonads (including the granulosa cells) utilizing stem cell models. In close collaboration with the IVF unit, we also study ovarian cells. ESE3 will be co-hosted by the Department of Biosciences and Nutrition at the Karolinska Institute (https://ki.se/en/bionut/department-of-biosciences-and-nutrition), focussing on the molecular mechanims of reproduction.

PROJECT

A PhD student will be funded through the EU project MATER (https://sisu.ut.ee/mater), a Marie Curie Training Network.

The aim of the project is to: (1) establish granulosa cell cultures from human pluripotent stem cells; (2) study the role of specific transcription factors during granulosa cell development using Crispr/Cas9 genome editing technology and (3) study the role of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and its receptor (FSHR) during ovarian development utilizing patients’ derived cell lines. Through the project the student will acquire skills to culture and differentiate human pluripotent stem cell lines (hPSC lines) as well as to do standard molecular analyses for differentiated cells. Also, the project includes genetic manipulation and RNA-sequencing of the cell lines.

ESR3 will mostly be hosted by the University of Helsinki, and will be seconded for a shorter period to the Karolinska Institute. The position also includes a training period in European company focusing on reproductive health.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Researchers can be of any nationality.
• There is no age limit.
• All researchers recruited in a Marie Sklodowska-Curie ITN must be ESRs. An ESR shall, at the time of recruitment by the host organisation, be in the first four years of their research career and not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree. The four years start to count from the date when a researcher obtained the degree, which would formally entitle her/him to embark on a doctorate.
• Researchers are required to undertake transnational mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up their appointment.
• One general rule applies to the appointment of researchers: At the time of recruitment by the host beneficiary, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date. Note that the mobility rule applies to the beneficiary where the researcher is recruited, and not to beneficiaries to which the researcher is sent or seconded.

A successful PhD candidate should preferably have:
• Degree in biomedical or life sciences, bioinformatics, or a relevant other discipline;
• An outstanding record of undergraduate and master’s degree work;
• Highly motivated candidate with strong interest in developmental or stem cell biology and a demonstrable affinity with the project;
• Experience with cell culturing techniques or genome editing techniques;
• Proven proficiency in English, both written and orally;
• Strong writing and analytical skills;
• Good communication and organization skills;
• Ability to meet deadlines and complete a PhD thesis within the defined project time;
• Capacity to work both as an independent researcher and as part of a team;
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary context.

OFFER

We are offering one full time appointment (100%) as a PhD student for a period of 4 years, of which the first three years are covered by the Marie Curie ITN project and the fourth year by the hosting research institutes. The starting date can be negotiated. ESR3 will be awarded a PhD by the University of Helsinki and the Karolinska Institute.

INTERESTED?

Please submit your application through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link Apply for the position. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the SAP HR portal.

Please add in your application besides the required parts a copy of a recent academic publication or a recent paper or master thesis, as well as the names and contact details of two referees. The deadline for applications is 30.4.2020.

Candidates who make the shortlist will be invited for an interview. These may be conducted in person or via Skype.

For more information please contact Prof. Dr. Juha Tapanainen, juha.tapanainen(at)helsinki.fi and Prof. Dr. Juha Kere, juha.kere(at)ki.se.

Due date

30.04.2020 23:59 EEST