Doctoral (PhD) student position in Inflammation neuroscience - 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 doctoral student will mainly work at the Olofsson lab at the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet.

We are an ambitious and flexible team driven by a passion for discovery in the exciting and rapidly evolving field of inflammation neuroscience. We study molecular mechanisms in neural regulation of inflammation and immunity using a multidisciplinary approach involving immunology, neuroscience, and engineering. We strive to continuously challenge each other to uncover more on the physiology and molecular mechanisms of neuro-immune crosstalk in inflammation and inflammatory diseases. Questions include: How do peripheral nerves and immune cells interact in initiation and resolution of inflammation? How do neural signals regulate metabolism in chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis?

The lab is well equipped with relevant high-quality instruments and unique methodology. Resources include platforms for interfacing with peripheral nerves and monitoring physiological outcomes down to the molecular level in vivo and in vitro, animal models of inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, and biobanks of human samples.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We are looking for an ambitious, talented, and highly motivated individual with a passion for science to join our team to study how signals in the peripheral nervous system regulate inflammation and metabolism.

The student will map the functional innervation of visceral organs and the vasculature and study the contribution of signals in peripheral nerves in the development of diseases marked by excessive inflammation, identifying key cellular and molecular mechanisms. Working with post-docs and other colleagues, the student will use new technology for interfacing with peripheral nerves and established methods in immunology and neuroscience to study the neurophysiology of chronic inflammation. Model systems include genetic mouse models of acute and chronic inflammation, including atherosclerosis.

Frequent discussions with supervisors, colleagues, and other scientists will enable the student to gain deep insights into theoretical fundamentals in the field and interact with our global network of peers.

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, talented, creative, focused, and well-organized student passionate for science and the project. An ability to simultaneously focus on the project work and follow relevant literature will be highly advantageous. We hope that you are keen to flexibly adapt your work as the study evolves with new observations.

Experience of animal [micro]surgery, neurophysiology, laboratory methods such as RNAseq, single cell analysis, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, cell culture, R statistical computing etc. are desirable but not a requirement.

Personal qualities will be important in the selection of candidates. A strong desire to learn and discover, and English language skills sufficient for efficient written and oral communication in science are required.

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 employment is at the Department of Medicine, Solna. The department consists of twelve divisions and each division consists of several research groups. The position is located within the research group of Peder Olofsson within the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. The research focus is neural regulation of inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

research group

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