The role of immune cells in perinatal brain injury

Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, 4 years
Extent: 100 %
Location: Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg
First day of employment: As agreed
Reference number: UR 2016/945
Job assignments
The present proposal is focused on brain injury in preterm infants, so-called encephalopathy of prematurity, which has emerged as the major form of perinatal brain injury that causes cerebral palsy. The encephalopathy of prematurity is an increasing problem in the world as the preterm birth rate in Sweden as well as worldwide is increasing. Currently there is no available therapy for this special condition. Based on preliminary results showing a critical role of a subpopulation of T cells in preterm brain injury, our central hypothesis is that preterm brain injury develops in two stages each involves specific populations of T cells that infiltrate into the brain after brain injury and serve as important players in the injury process. Understanding how specific populations of T cells mediate brain injury will provide unique therapeutic targets for neuroprotection.

We will identify the role of specific populations of immune cells in the different injury stages in animal models.

These studies will increase our in-depth understanding of how immune system contributes to brain damage in children and will open a new avenue for development of neuroprotective strategies for preterm newborns.

We would like the applicants to motivate why they are interested in the project and why they are suitable applicants. The PhD position comprises 4 years full-time studies and leads to a doctoral degree. The position is funded via doctoral studentship.
Eligibility
To be admitted to third-cycle studies you must fulfill both the general and the specific entry requirements. The general entry requirements is fulfilled if you have:
1. completed a degree at a second-cycle level, or
2. completed at least 240 credits worth of studies of which at least 60 credits must be at a second-cycle level, or
3. acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

The specific entry requirements is fulfilled if you have completed the English B/6 course or is considered to have acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies.
Assessment
Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for education on a doctoral level are given in SFS 1998:80.

In selecting between applicants who meet the general and specific entry requirements, their ability to benefit from third-cycle studies shall be taken into account. The assessment shall attach particular importance to documented qualifications for: -
specific knowledge and skills within the subject area and related research fields
- experience of scientific theory and relevant research methodology
- scientific analysis and presentation verified through thesis, degree project, scientific journals or the like.
Additional information
Salaries for doctoral students are regulated in a local agreement at the University.

For more information regarding PhD education at the Sahlgrenska academy visit http://www.sahlgrenska.gu.se/doktorandportalen

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