Doctoral position in”New Oligonucleotide Constructs for Enhanced Delivery”

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 Department of Laboratory Medicine consists of seven divisions that conduct both research and teaching. The department is involved in advanced research, encompassing both basic and applied research. All divisions operate in close collaboration with clinicians at the Karolinska University Hospital. The Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM) focuses on the use of modified biomolecules, cells, and cell products as new therapeutic agents, as well as the identification and study of suitable biomolecular and cellular targets for therapy and diagnostics. The division is also connected to the Karolinska ATMP Center. 

Our research efforts in the EL Andaloussi´s lab focus on one of the greatest challenges facing modern therapeutics; the delivery of macromolecules to target cells in vivo. Despite the unprecedented knowledge of diseases and their mechanisms due to advances in biomedical sciences; many promising therapeutic approaches are still clinically unavailable. This is simply because there is no efficient means of delivering these therapeutics to the right organ with the right dose. Our research performance involves developing novel and innovative drug delivery technologies that can carry proteins, RNAs, or gene editors to the target tissues safely and efficiently. 

One of the delivery modalities that we exploit is extracellular vesicles (EVs); natural nanoparticles that are able to convey genetic material from one cell to another. We have developed a range of genetic engineering strategies to modify EVs for the purpose of drug delivery. In addition to EVs, the Andaloussi lab also engineer LNPs and Antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates for extrahepatic delivery of RNA therapeutics.

The future Ph.D. student would work on a project regarding the oligonucleotide bioconjugates and their delivery to specific tissues and in vitro and in vivo evaluations.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join the group of Professor Samir El Andaloussi as a PhD student to work on the development of novel bioconjugates for therapeutic applications. The project will involve bioconjugation strategies as well as analytical and biological methods for conjugate characterization, including both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of laboratory work in the project and drive the project forward. He/She will furthermore have many opportunities to develop their own projects within the framework of the larger project goals. In addition to the main supervisor Samir EL Andaloussi, the student will have two co-supervisors: Associate Prof. Malgorzata Honcharenko and dr Anna Rydzik (AstraZeneca). The successful candidate will take part in all research-related activities such as group meetings, departmental seminars, relevant international meetings, supervision of other students and researchers, if necessary, as well as contribute to common lab routines. Finally, the PhD student will work to fulfill the course requirements of the PhD program as outlined in the relevant rules and documentation available at the ki.se website.

The position is a part of The Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Training Network ON-TRACT (OligoNucleotide Technologies for Rapid Advancement of Cancer Therapies), and the application to that position needs to be send to both Euraxess and KI.

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 applicant should have a solid background in chemistry, chemical biology or biology and/or experience working with bioconjugates for therapeutic use. The position requires practical lab experience in the following areas: foremost bioconjugation strategies, PCR, cell culture, in vivo work. The ideal candidate would furthermore have experience with oligonucleotide chemistry and/or antibody conjugates and their usability in therapeutic applications. In addition, excellent proficiency in both spoken and written English is important. We are looking for an energetic and passionate person who fits in and actively contributes to our team.

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.

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