Doctoral (PhD) student position in the project “Immune control of cellular senescence” - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Biosciences and Nutrition performs research and education in several areas of medical science including bioorganic chemistry, molecular endocrinology, cancer biology, functional genomics, systems biology, epigenetics, structural biochemistry, cellular virology, and nutrition. It offers an excellent international research and working environment, including around 250 scientists, students, administrative and technical personnel. The Department resides in the new biomedical research building Neo, aimed at being a creative and open environment that enables meetings, synergies, and exploration of areas of mutual interest across disciplines.

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

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

We are looking for a PhD Student to join our research group, the lab of Federico Pietrocola. The research group of Federico Pietrocola currently consists of two experienced postdoctoral researchers. The laboratory of the main supervisor is located in the Neo building at Flemingsberg Campus of KI, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition (BioNut). The student will greatly benefit from facilities located in the Neo Building. The student will have access to high-end microscopes, Life Cell Imaging facility, Flow Cytometry Facility, Single Cell Core Facility of Flemingsberg Campus (SICOF).

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

A cure for fibrotic disorders is an unmet clinical need. Thus, a better understanding of the mechanisms that initiate and regulate this process is of paramount importance. For this project, the student will focus on the role of cellular senescence, which has recently been disclosed as a central driver of fibrosis. The lab is currently elucidating the mechanisms that enable senescent cells to avoid the elimination by the host immune system, and thereby lead to their accumulation in tissues. The student will use cutting-edge genomics and molecular techniques, and a variety of animal models of organ fibrosis, to develop innovative immunotherapy approaches to eliminate senescent cells and improve tissue regeneration. For this project, the student will collaborate with worldwide renowned leaders in the field of senescence and fibrosis, and also benefit from support of a larger senescence-focused research environment at our department.

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

Precedent experience with mammalian cell culture and cellular biology methods are mandatory entry requirements. Basic experience with animal work and basic knowledge in immunology – although not required – will be regarded as an advantage. We are looking for a self-motivated, enthusiastic, and ambitious PhD student. Compulsory qualities to be admitted as PhD student are motivation, willingness to progress toward independency, capacity to work in a team.
Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Terms and conditions

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

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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/bionut

https://ki.se/en/bionut/federico-pietrocolas-group

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