Doctoral student in Natural Science, specialising in Biology

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

Doctoral position in Natural Science, specialising in Biology

At the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) we have teaching and research activities that stretch from the alpine ecosystem, through forests, cultivated land and streams, all the way into the marine environment. In these environments we study different levels of biological organisation from genes, individuals and populations, to communities and ecosystems. We work within ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics and combinations of these fields in order to understand the impact of natural and anthropogenic changes of the environment.

The department is placed at three different localities: in Gothenburg Botanical garden, at Medicinarberget in Gothenburg and Kristineberg Marine Research Station. The current position is placed at Medicinarberget

General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages. 

https://medarbetarportalen.gu.se/doktorand/?languageId=100001&skipSSOCheck=true   

Project description
Investigating the mechanisms of motivational states in zebrafish Danio rerio

Motivational or emotional states can have a profound impact upon behavioural decisions and physiological responses. Although the fundamental mechanisms have been well studied in mammals we have relatively little information on the mechanisms of emotional states in fish. Further, the understanding how different motivational states affect concurrent states requires an in depth analysis of the interplay between pain fear and stress from changes in gene expression, stress physiology and performance of behaviour. Using a model species, the zebrafish, this project aims to investigate the impact of pain, fear and stress on the neurobiological and physiological responses during these important motivational drivers of strategic behavioural decision making. The project will explore the following objectives:


• A comparison between stress-induced analgesia to drug-induced analgesia in individual and group-housed zebrafish using genomics, in situ hybridization and stress physiology
• Investigate the interplay of pain and fear on molecular, physiological and behavioural responses in zebrafish
• Exploring the neurobiological and physiological mechanisms of emotional contagion and the metabolic costs of pain, fear and stress

The doctoral student will be situated at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences under the supervision of Dr Lynne Sneddon, Dr Jonathan Roques and in collaboration with Dr Marco Vindas (Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences). Therefore, the position will involve a short visit to Norway to conduct the genomic analyses. The project is largely experimental using techniques in genomics, in situ hybridization, stress physiology and animal behavior in a laboratory setting.

Duties   
The main task is to conduct the PhD thesis work under supervision, which includes development of the doctoral student’s methodology experience, analytical skills, and theoretical depth and breadth. Techniques used within the project include genomics, molecular biology, physiology, neuroanatomy and behaviour. The studies will be conducted mostly as laboratory studies. Shorter periods may also be spent as laboratory work with collaborators abroad. Specific research topics associated with the research project include the mechanisms of behavioural states and the interplay of pain, fear and stress using zebrafish as a model.

Education at third-cycle level comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree.    

As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration.  

For more information and how to apply   
You can apply to be admitted for education at third-cycle level via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal.   

It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.   

Applications must be received by: November 14th, 2022 


The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.