“Cellular and molecular mechanisms of the descending control of pain” - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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

Applications are invited for a PhD student position in Patrik Ernfors 's group (https://ki.se/en/mbb/patrik-ernfors-group), at Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden. Our research group is based at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics (MBB), within the Division of Molecular Neurobiology. The Division of Molecular Neurobiology is a rich environment with seven principal investigators, focused on several aspects of development, stem cell biology, neuroscience and cancer. The division provides a vibrant scientific environment with a unique critical mass and expertise. Ernfors’ group studies how complex sets of modality specific sensory neurons code for somatic sensation. The members Ernfors group, who are mostly post-doctoral scientists educated in leading laboratories all over the world, share the open lab-and office space with members of the other groups contributing to a broad and rich scientific environment. This combined with access to multiple KI based, national and international scientific platforms and core-facilities as well as international collaborations creates an exceptionally stimulating environment with potential for high-quality research.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Pain is often thought of as an invariant representation of active nociceptors even though pain varies a lot under the influence of different mental states, with near complete analgesia in, for example, acute stress situations. The PhD student will uncover the power of the brain to control pain. The student will make use of a new system-wide activity-based mouse genetic strategy that enables us to artificially re-create previous nerve activities in the brain and to capture the neurons for detailed molecular and physiological studies. The work within the announced PhD position includes mouse models for sleep-deprivation and stress, surgical procedures, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, general mouse handling. Additionally, in order to determine the role of these neurons for pain, experiments include observations and measurements of mouse behavior in response to noxious and non-noxious stimuli.

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

We are looking for a highly motivated, driven, inquisitive, enthusiastic person interested in our area of research, and ready to explore new avenues in science. Knowledge on the physiology and pathophysiology of the nervous system is required, knowledge on pain mechanisms is meriting. The candidates should have a collaborative approach to research, working productively in a team and contributing to a good social environment in the laboratory. The applicants must have a Master degree in Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Medicine or Neuroscience, or similar, with previous research experience in a multidisciplinary international environment in areas such as:

• Work with rodents (including behaviour experiments), with required certification.
• Immunofluorescence (immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry) and in situ hybridization (such as RNAscope).
• Knowledge of mouse genetics is meriting.
• Knowledge on pain behaviour experimentation is meriting.
• Knowledge and experience with neurosurgical procedures is meriting.

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.

Welcome with your application latest 16th of November 2021.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all