Research Assistant: Genomics of Migraine

Term: Semester
Type: Elective Course
Major discipline: Biology, Chemistry / Biochemistry, Neuroscience
Related discipline: Biomedicine / Biotechnology, Pre-Medicine / Health Science
Available: Fall, Spring
Location: Copenhagen
Credits: 6

Introduction to the topic:

The Neurogenomics Group at Copenhagen University Hospital, a multidisciplinary team consisting of expert geneticists, bioinformaticians, and medical doctors, is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of neurological disorders such as migraine and multiple sclerosis. Our group’s primary objective is to bridge the gap between fundamental genetics research and clinical practice, focusing on translating scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions.

Project details:

The cornerstone of our group’s research efforts is the utilization of cutting-edge genomic and bioinformatic techniques. By employing high-throughput sequencing technologies, including whole-genome sequencing (WGS), we are able to identify novel genetic variants and molecular pathways implicated in the development and progression of neurological disorders. Our bioinformaticians play a crucial role in analyzing and interpreting the vast amounts of data generated by these sequencing technologies, leading to the identification of disease-causing mutations and potential therapeutic targets.

Our team of medical doctors, with their extensive clinical experience in treating patients with neurological disorders, provides invaluable insights into the practical aspects of our research. Their expertise ensures that our investigations are grounded in clinical relevance and have the potential to impact patient care in a meaningful way. Through close collaboration between our geneticists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians, we strive to develop novel diagnostic tools, risk prediction models, and targeted therapies for these complex neurological conditions.

Selected relevant publications:

Chalmer M, Kogelman LJA, Hansen TF, et al. Sex differences in clinical characteristics of migraine and its burden: a population-based study. European Journal of Neurology, 26 Mar 2023, 30(6):1774-1784 https://doi.org/10.1111/ene.15778
Hautakangas H, Winsvold B, Hansen TF, et al. Genome-wide analysis of 102,084 migraine cases identifies 123 risk loci and subtype-specific risk alleles. Nat Genet. 2022; 54(2): 152–160. https://doi.org/10.1038%2Fs41588-021-00990-0

Additional application required

You must submit an additional application through the Online Registration portal.

All application materials must be submitted on the following dates by midnight in your time zone:

November 1 for spring semester applicants
May 1 for fall semester applicants

Complete your application through Student Registration.

Faculty

Thomas Folkman Hansen

Faculty

Received a PhD from Copenhagen University in 2009. Research Leader Copenhagen University Hospital and University from 2015 to the present. With DIS since 2023.

More information about your Research Assistantship

Learn more about research at DIS.

: Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.

Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.

: Many research projects last across several semesters and various points of the research process, so not all Research Assistants on the same project will conduct the same research.

: Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place at DIS or in a different location on your own time. This varries from project to project.

Work for the 6-credit Research Assistantships generally take place outside of DIS in labs in located throughout Copenhagen or Stockholm.

: Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.

The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.

: In all cases, weekly times are an expected average. There may be peak times in the research process where Research Assistants are expected to spend a few more hours one week, and then possibly fewer hours another week, based on the individual research project and process.

3-credit Research Assistantships

On average, students in a 3-credit RAship spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks.

These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.

6-credit Research Assistantships

Students in a 6-credit RAship spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks.

You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.

Introduction to the topic:

Project details:

Additional application required

Faculty

Thomas Folkman Hansen

More information about your Research Assistantship

Will I publish a research paper?

What part of the research process will I assist with?

Where is the research work carried out?

What type of student applies for a Research Assistantship?

What is the time commitment for a 3-credit or 6-credit Research Assistantship?