Marie Curie Initial Training Programme PhD & Postdoc Positions Available

Training In Neurodegeneration, Therapeutics Intervention and Neurorepair (TINTIN) TINTIN is a pan-European, multi-disciplinary project aimed at training 12 PhD students in neuroscience research, with an emphasis on the basis of neurodegeneration, neurotherapeutics development and neurorepair. The project is funded under the EU Framework 7. PhD training fellowships are now available commencing on January 2014. Successful applicants will undertake advanced research training projects on metabolism and autophagy in neurons, induced pluripotent stem cells and neurorepair systems. Parallel research projects will involve computational modelling of metabolism in the dopamine neuron and the in silico design of novel therapeutics that are selectively transported into the dopamine neuron. This fundamental training and research will be merged with new cutting edge glycan based biomarker technologies, drug simulation and computational/mathematical models of dopaminergic neurons. Each PhD candidate will be seconded for 3–5 month period to a European industrial partner appropriate to their research project, to obtain training in leading-edge technologies. Candidates will also be provided with training in aspects of project management and commercial innovation. Positions for 2 postdoctoral research fellows (experienced researchers with less than 10 years experience) are also available. Essential/Desirable Criteria All candidates should possess a keen interest in neuroscience and in the underlying basis of neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, depression, addiction and ADHD. Prospective PhD candidates should hold a BSc/MSc degree, or equivalent, in physics, chemistry, pharmacy or the biological sciences. How to apply Applicants should include a covering letter, which should specify their reasons for applying, and suitability as a candidate, along with a CV and names and contact details (email addresses) of two referees. Initial enquiries and formal applications should be sent to the relevant group leaders. TINTIN is a mobility-based EU program and researchers are required to move to a country to commence their PhD training project. Deadline for applications The final date for applications is 20 November 2013. Early Stage Researcher PhD projects available: ESR1: Regulation of the antioxidant response of dysfunctional dopaminergic neurons Host: Universidad de Salamanca Supervisor: J. Bolanos (jbolanos@usal.es) Duration: 36 months ESR2: Characterisation of the bioenergetic and redox status of dopaminergic neurons in transgenic mice Host: Universidad de Salamanca Supervisor: J. Bolanos (jbolanos@usal.es) Duration: 36 months ESR3: The effect of glutathione on mitochondrial dynamics & function in the dopamine neuron Host: Trinity College Dublin Supervisor: G. Davey (gdavey@tcd.ie) Duration: 36 months ESR4: How does the cytochrome P450 system control drug metabolism in the dopamine neuron? Host: University of Siena Supervisor: M. Valoti (massimo.valoti@unisi.it) Duration: 36 months ESR5: Crosstalk between mitochondrial & lysosomal dysfunction in the dopamine neuron Host: Trinity College Dublin Supervisor: G. Davey (gdavey@tcd.ie) Duration: 36 months ESR6: How does glucocerebrosidase control autophagy in the dopamine neuron? Host: University College London Supervisor: S. Heales (Simon.Heales@gosh.nhs.uk) Duration: 36 months ESR7: Using human wild type and parkinsonian iPS cell lines as a model for neurodegeneration to investigate mechanisms of cell signalling that control mitochondrial turnover Host: Trinity College Dublin Supervisor: J. Murray (james.murray@tcd.ie), G. Davey (gdavey@tcd.ie) Duration: 36 months ESR8: Neurotoxin models of Parkinson’s disease & characterisation of the dopamine transporter internalisation process in patient-specific dopamine neurons. Host: University of Heidelberg Supervisor: P. Schloss (patrick.schloss@zi-mannheim.de) Duration: 36 months ESR9: In silico reconstruction of the dopamine transporter and design of new drugs with neuroprotective properties Host: Kadir Has University Supervisor: K. Yelekçi (yelekci@khas.edu.tr) Duration: 36 months ESR10: Development of new drugs to inhibit the neurodegenerative process in dopamine neuron Host: University of Siena Supervisor: M. Valoti (massimo.valoti@unisi.it) Duration: 36 months ESR11: Characterisation of the cell surface glycome on the dopamine neuron Host: University of Manchester Supervisor: S. Flitsch (sabine.flitsch@manchester.ac.uk) Duration: 36 months ESR12: Glycans, glycolipids and gangliosides related to dopaminergic cell death Host: The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training Supervisor: P. Rudd (pauline.rudd@nibrt.ie), J. Bones, (jonathan.bones@nibrt.ie), G. Davey (gdavey@tcd.ie) Duration: 36 months Experienced Researcher Projects Available: ER1: The mechanisms that control mitochondrial dynamics & function in the dopamine neuron. Host: Trinity College Dublin Supervisor: G. Davey (gdavey@tcd.ie) ER2: What mechanisms control autophagy in the dopamine neuron? Host: University College London Supervisor: S. Heales (Simon.Heales@gosh.nhs.uk) Additional Requirements ENGLISH Proficiency: Excellent It is a requirement that network fellows will show that their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English is sufficiently high for them to derive the full benefit from the network training. Early-stage researchers (ESR) are those who are, at the time of selection by the host, in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers. This is measured from the date when they obtained the degree which formally entitles them to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate was envisaged. Experienced researchers (ER) are defined as researchers who, at the time of recruitment by the beneficiary, are: 1) in possession of a doctoral degree, independently of the time taken to acquire it, or have at least four years of full-time equivalent research experience, and 2) have less than five years of full-time equivalent research experience. Conditions of international mobility of researchers: researchers are required to undertake trans-national mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment. At the time of selection by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.