Doctoral (PhD) student position in RNA and wound biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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 successful candidate will work in the research group led by Dr. Ning Xu Landén (www.xulandenlab.com) at the Dermatology and Venereology Division, Department of Medicine Solna and the Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine (MWLC). Our lab is physically located at the Centre of Molecular Medicine (CMM; https://www.cmm.ki.se/). The research is performed in an interdisciplinary setting with strong collaboration with clinical departments and other national and international research groups. The group has a longstanding interest and extensive experience in studying molecular mechanisms underpinning wound healing, in particular, non-coding RNA-mediated gene expression regulation. The current method spectrum of the group is centred around bioinformatics, molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry with human cells and tissues as well as mouse models but will be expanded.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Pressure ulcer is a chronic non-healing wound caused by continuous pressure of the bodyweight to the skin, which is often seen in spinal cord injury patients and the bedridden elderly population. Caring for these chronic wounds imposes a multi-billion-dollar burden on the health care systems. Despite high mortality, effective treatments and biomarkers for PU lack, due to the poor understanding of its pathophysiology. This Ph.D. project aims to give a thorough education in basic science and wound biology. The student will participate in work aiming to discover novel therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for pressure ulcer.

The doctoral student will work on several projects in parallel, including joining to already ongoing research as well as starting new lines of research during his/her doctoral studies. The student is expected to work as a part of a team, taking responsibility for her/his work in a structured manner and with open mindset and communication.The student will work on clinical samples, in vitro cultured cells, and rodent models. He/she will practice a number of molecular and cellular techniques (e.g., gene editing, primary cell isolation and culture, immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry), as well as bioinformatics methods (e.g., analysis of RNA-sequencing data).

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 seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong interest in medical research. The candidate should have a master degree or equivalent in biomedicine, molecular biology, medicine, or related disciplines.

Necessary skills and personal qualities:

• Strong, genuine interest in medical research and a curious mind set
• Experience in basic molecular biology techniques
• Fluent in English both in oral and written communication
• Preciseness in laboratory work and documentation
• Excellent communication skills, teamwork abilities, willingness to help PhD/master students

Meritorious skills and personal qualities:

• Experience in one or more of the methods required for the project such as flow cytometry, microscopy, animal models, culturing of primary cells/3D cultures, methods related to non-coding RNA research.

Knowledge in Unix/Linux, R and scripting language such as Perl or Python. Experience in the analysis of next-generation sequencing data.

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.

Location

The position is located within the Department of Medicine, Solna. The department consists of twelve divisions and each division consists of several research groups. This position is located within the research group Xu Landén at the Dermatology and Venereology Division.

www.xulandenlab.com

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