Doctoral (PhD) student position in Metastatic preclinical modelling

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

To be a doctoral student means to devote oneself to a research project under supervision of experienced researchers and following an individual study plan. For a doctoral degree, the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education is required.

The research group

The Translational embryonal neural tumor research laboratory is located at BioClinicum in Stockholm and affiliated with the Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Dept of Women’s and Children’s health, Karolinska Institutet. The Baryawno laboratory consists of 2 Ph.D. students and a postdoc, and is part of the group constellation of professor Per Kogner, associate professor John Inge Johnsen and associate professor Malin Wickström. The group consists of a total of 12 Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows. The focus of our research is to increase our biological understanding of the embryonal tumor neuroblastoma, to develop new therapies leading to better survival, less side effects and increased quality of life. We are applying basic, translational and clinical approaches in our research including, single cell technologies, bioinformatics, immunology and molecular biology as well as functional analysis and development of preclinical animal- and in vitro-models.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The current project will be focused on characterising the bone marrow stroma of a bone metastatic mouse model of neuroblastoma by single-cell RNA-seq, creating organoid models of human bone metastases, and testing the function of seven genes that are overexpressed in human bone metastatic tumours when compared to primary tumours – in childhood neuroblastoma, adult prostate cancer and adult kidney cancer. The aim is to characterise and create novel preclinical models, and to investigate if the seven genes are direct contributing to the metastatic process. We will either knock-down the gene expression with shRNA in bone metastatic cell lines, or overexpress use the genes using cDNA in cell lines that are not bone metastatic. The mechanisms of how these genes are contributing to metastases will be investigated using single-cell RNA-seq and proteomic assays. The doctoral candidate will be mentored by Dr Baryawno on the proposed project. More information on the work from the lab can be found in recent publications (Baryawno et al., Cell 2019; Kfoury, Baryawno et al., Cancer Cell 2021; Verhoeven et al., Cell Reports Medicine 2022; Alchahin et al., Nature Communications et al., 2022, Olsen et al., JCI Insights 2022, Olsen et al., Molecular Cancer 2024).

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment full of expertise and curiosity. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. As a doctoral student you are offered an individual research project, a well-educated supervisor, a vast range of elective courses and the opportunity to work in a leading research group. Karolinska Institutet collaborates with prominent universities from all around the world, which ensures opportunities for international exchanges. You will be employed on a doctoral studentship which means that you receive a contractual salary. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Eligibility requirements for doctoral education

In order to participate in the selection for a doctoral position, you must meet the following general (A) and specific (B) eligibility requirements at latest by the application deadline.

It is your responsibility to certify eligibility by following the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

A) General eligibility requirement

You meet the general eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

1. have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or
2. have satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the advanced/second-cycle/master level, or
3. have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.*

Follow the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

*If you claim equivalent knowledge, follow the instructions on the web page Assessing equivalent knowledge for general eligibility for doctoral education.

B) Specific eligibility requirement

You meet the specific eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

- Show proficiency in English equivalent to the course English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school.

Follow the instructions on the web page English language requirements for doctoral education.

Verification of your documents Karolinska Institutet checks the authenticity of your documents. Karolinska Institutet reserves the right to revoke admission if supporting documents are discovered to be fraudulent. Submission of false documents is a violation of Swedish law and is considered grounds for legal action.

(A) and (B) can only be certified by the documentation requirement for doctoral education.

Skills and personal qualities

The PhD candidate should have experience in cancer. Experiences with preclinical animal cancer models, cell culturing and molecular biology are essential. Experience with shRNA and cDNA expression systems, quantitative-PCR and Western blotting are a benefit but not essential. The ability to work with people of different backgrounds and contribute to a project team is important. Applicants must be able to work independently and have good communication skills in English.

Terms and conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

Application process

Submit your application and supporting documents through the Varbi recruitment system. Use the button in the top right corner and follow the instructions. We prefer that your application is written in English, but you can also apply in Swedish.

Your application must contain the following documents:

- A personal letter and a curriculum vitae
- Degree projects and previous publications, if any
- Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above
- Documents certifying your general eligibility (see A above)
- Documents certifying your specific eligibility (see B above)

Selection

A selection will be made among eligible applicants on the basis of the ability to benefit from doctoral education. The qualifications of the applicants will be evaluated on an overall basis.

Karolinska Institutet uses the following bases of assessment:

- Documented subject knowledge of relevance to the area of research
- Analytical skill
- Other documented knowledge or experience that may be relevant to doctoral studies in the subject.

All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed.

https://ki.se/en/people/n-baryawno

https://baryawnolab.com/

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