PhD Scholarship in Neurobiology and Memory Formation in Box Jellyfish in Denmark

The University of Copenhagen through the the Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology is pleased to invite applications for a PhD Scholarship Program. This call is intended to those who will be working on the project entitled “Learning and Memory Formation in the Box Jellyfish Tripedalia cystophora”. Eligible candidates should hold master degree in Biological studies. The winning students will receive a competitive salary plus other benefits. To apply, entries must be received by January 1, 2016.

Scholarship Description
A PhD scholarship is available from March 1st, 2016 (or shortly thereafter) at the Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark. The PhD position is part of a project entitled “Learning and Memory Formation in the Box Jellyfish Tripedalia cystophora” funded by the Danish Research Council for Independent Research, which in turn is part of a larger project on the neurobiology of box jellyfish. The PhD project will seek to confirm the preliminary results indicating that box jellyfish are able to learn and form memory in connecting with certain behaviors. Part of this is done through a series of behavioral experiments combining mechanosensory and visual input.

Award Value
Terms of appointment and payment are in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Federation of Professional Associations (AC). The starting salary for candidates with an MSc degree will be a minimum of DKK 306,667 (April 2015 level) plus pension contribution, with the possibility of salary negotiation.

Level and Area of Studies
PhD degree in Neurobiology and Memory Formation in Box Jellyfish.

Place of Study
At the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Eligibility and Criteria
The successful candidate will have a Master’s degree (MSc) in Biology and is expected to work on behavior, neurophysiology and molecular biology of box jellyfish. The work will be a combination of field and laboratory studies. Candidates with the following scientific background/qualifications will be preferred for the position:

  • M.Sc in Biology
  • Practical experience with molecular biology, especially transcriptomics and in situ hybridization, of invertebrates
  • Practical experience with electrophysiology on marine invertebrates
  • Good collaboration and communication skills (written and oral English)
  • Structured and analytical working approach
  • Able to engage in teamwork within the research group and with other collaborators

Applicants’ Nationality
There is no nationality restriction.

Application Instruction
The application package must be consisting the materials as follow:

  • A letter of motivation for the application with statement of research interests (max 1 page)
  • A curriculum vitae (max 2 pages)
  • List of publications (if applicable)
  • Copy of Bachelor and Masters Diplomas and transcripts – other relevant certificates, including grades
  • A short abstract of the M.Sc. thesis or equivalent
  • Contact details of at least two persons for references

Submission Deadline
January 1, 2016.

Website and Application Link