PhD position in translational ovarian cancer research

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

You will be joining the Kallioniemi group in the Seashore-Ludlow team. The main researach focus of is functional precision medicine.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Are you interested in precision medicine, cancer biology, and advanced imaging? We are seeking a motivated PhD student to join the Seashore-Ludlow lab at Karolinska Institutet as part of the TIMED consortium.

The project addresses one of the biggest clinical challenges in ovarian cancer: drug resistance. Using cutting-edge live-cell imaging and machine learning, the main goals of this PhD position are to:

• Develop assays to study dynamic drug responses in patient-derived ovarian cancer samples.
• Identify and validate effective drug combinations that overcome resistance.
• Collaborate with computational and chemical biology partners to test and refine AI-generated small molecules.

This is a highly interdisciplinary project at the interface of cancer biology, data science, and chemical biology, embedded in a collaborative network. The work will provide deep training in live-cell imaging, assay development, drug discovery, and translational cancer research.

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 excited to welcome a highly motivated, creative and curious PhD student to join our vibrant translational research team!

We encourage applications from candidates with documented experience in one or more of the following areas: cell culture, high-throughput imaging, primary cell culture, high-throughput drug testing, and basic image analysis. In addition, basic knowledge in cancer biology, ovarian cancer and high throughput screening is essential. A strong interest in handling and interpreting large datasets is essential, and prior experience with analysis of drug response or imaging dataset, and primary cell culture will be considered a significant advantage.

Beyond technical skills, we are looking for someone who is passionate about science, organized, and eager to actively contribute to a collaborative and dynamic research environment. Great emphasis will be placed on personal fit and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary aspects of the project.

This project is part of a larger consortium, and we therefore seek a candidate who is confident in discussing scientific results and ready to communicate with scientists from other disciplines.

If you are ready to take on an exciting research journey and contribute to innovative discoveries, we warmly invite you to apply!

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.

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