Ph.D. Student in MIlan/Italy

We offer two PhD positions funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie project “ASCTN-Training” within the Horizon 2020 programme of the European Union, starting January 1 2019. The appointment will be for 3 years and will be placed at the Laboratory of Stem Cells, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute (Milan, Italy). ASCTN-Training is a four-year project addressing existing gaps within Human Stem Cell-based Neuronal disorders Modelling for research to develop new medicines for the treatment of neurological disorders (e.g. Parkinson´s, Huntington´s and Demyelination’s diseases). ASCTN-Training sets out with the ambition to educate and train students within and across different scientific disciplines: Human Pluripotent Stem Cells (hPSCs) neuronal and glial differentiation using brain-on-chip technology and microfluidics, 3D tissue engineering/cerebral organoids, Direct cellular reprograming, mouse genetic modification, single cell analysis, In vivo mouse manipulations, Animal models of NDs, stem cell transplants into the brain and direct tissue engineering.
The two projects will specifically address fundamental aspects of in vitro and in vivo neuronal cell reprogramming for establing new methodologies to diagnose and restrain neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease.
Candidates should have a master's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Neurosciences (or a similar degree) with background knowledge in neurodegenerative disorders and neuroprotective therapies. They should have less than 4 years full time equivalent research and resided less than 12 months in Italy in the 3 years prior to selection.