Doctoral (PhD) student position in Chromosome biology

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

The PhD project will be performed at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB), located in the modern Biomedicum building on the Solna campus. Biomedicum provides state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and a vibrant research environment that fosters collaboration across disciplines. The main supervisor will be Dr. Kristian Jeppsson, whose research group conducts research both at CMB and at the Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (IQB) at the University of Tokyo (UTokyo).

The PhD student will benefit from the UTokyo-KI LINK programme, which aims to facilitate research and educational collaboration between KI and UTokyo, and will have the opportunity to conduct research visits to IQB, gaining valuable experience of different research environments.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The PhD project will explore the relationship between DNA topology and chromosome folding, focusing on the role of the Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) complexes, particularly Smc5/6. The student will investigate how Smc5/6-mediated chromosome folding is regulated and how it influences chromosome function, using cutting-edge techniques such as Micro-C, ChIP-seq, and advanced microscopy.

The doctoral student will be expected to actively participate in all phases of the research, including experimental planning, execution, data analysis, and scientific communication. This includes taking doctoral courses, attending seminars, and presenting research findings at conferences. The student will also have the opportunity to conduct research visits to the University of Tokyo to enhance technical skills and experience international collaboration.

This position offers a unique chance to work at the forefront of chromosome biology within an international research environment, gaining extensive expertise in molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics.

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

In addition to the general eligibility requirements for the position:

• A strong motivation to uncover molecular mechanisms in chromosome biology through curiosity-driven research is required.
• A solid experimental foundation in wet-lab work is required, including experience and knowledge of standard molecular biology techniques.
• The candidate must demonstrate a willingness and ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Meritorious for the position:

• Experience with molecular biology techniques such as ChIP-seq, Micro-C/Hi-C, and RNA-seq is advantageous.
• Experience with research on SMC complexes and/or chromosome structure is advantageous.
• Experience with DNA library preparation, DNA sequencing, and computational analysis of sequencing data is advantageous.

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/en/cmb

https://ki.se/en/collaboration/international-collaboration/global-engagement/the-utokyo-ki-link

https://www.iqb.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/lab/jeppsson/

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