Open position for a PhD student in canine anxiety genetics in prof. Lohi’s lab
Professor Hannes Lohi laboratory is looking for a PhD student for the genetic studies of canine
anxiety. The PhD student will be involved in the genetic and functional work related to our
ongoing DOGPSYCH (ERC-funded) and CBGC –projects (ERANET-NEURON funded). Our
research focuses on the genetic backgrounds of anxiety traits such as fear, phobia, compulsion and
impulsive behaviour in dogs as models for corresponding common human psychiatric disorders.
Purebred dogs are particularly helpful because their genomes tend to be more similar (each breed is
effectively like a large family), which makes mapping of genes easier than in humans who are
genetically more different from one another.
We are looking for an independent and hardworking student with experience and strong knowledge
in genetics and laboratory work. The PhD study will include the use of state-of-art technologies
such as next generation sequencing. Applicant should be graduated or near graduation. The project
can start immediately and the position will be filled when suitable candidate is found with a 4month trial period.
Prof. Lohi’s lab functions in Biomedicum Helsinki and belongs to the Research Program's Unit,
Molecular Neurology and the Department of Veterinary Biosciences in the University of Helsinki
and the Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics (http://www.koirangeenit.fi/). The group is studying the
genetic backgrounds of various hereditary diseases and behavioural characteristics in dogs as
models for human genetic disorders.
For further information, please contact Katriina Tiira (katriina.tiira@helsinki.fi) 050-3199320, or
Hannes Lohi (hannes.lohi@helsinki.fi, 09-191 25085). Please submit your application and cv to
katriina.tiira@helsinki.fi by 15.2.2014.