Doctoral (PhD) student position in developing advanced 3D imaging techniques for biomedical studies of intact tissues - 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

Professor Per Uhlén's research laboratory, located within the Unit of Molecular Neurobiology at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics (MBB) in Karolinska Institutet, Solna, is renowned for its pioneering work in the fields of neuroscience, cancer, cell signaling, and microscopic imaging. Our team employs state-of-the-art imaging tools to investigate complex phenomena in intact brain and cancer samples, thereby deepening our understanding of the central nervous system's tissue architecture and tissue heterogeneity. We have excelled in developing advanced 3D imaging technologies and have published groundbreaking research in the fields of cancer and neuroscience (Tanaka N, et al., Nature Biomedical Engineering, 2017 and 2020; Kanatani S, et al., bioRxiv, 2022).

We are now seeking an intellectually curious, highly motivated, and creative PhD student to join our team. We invite exceptional individuals from around the world to apply for this exciting opportunity.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The PhD candidate joining our team will, under expert supervision, develop innovative 3D imaging techniques to be employed in basic research to enhance our biological and medical understanding of the central nervous system and cancer development and treatment. The research aims include:

1. Development of rapid 3D imaging methods capable of staining RNAs and proteins in intact tissue samples.
2. Identification of novel molecular mechanisms involved in biological and medical processes by using 3D imaging.
3. Establishment of effective approaches for omics analysis of cell populations identified by 3D imaging.

The project often entails close collaboration with other academic research labs, hospitals, and companies, and the student is expected to engage in these cooperative efforts actively. The successful candidate will participate in various academic and research-related activities, including group meetings, departmental seminars, relevant international conferences, and supervision of other students and researchers when necessary. Additionally, the student will contribute to standard laboratory routines.

Alongside the research project, the PhD student will work towards meeting the course requirements of the doctoral program, as outlined in the relevant rules and documentation available on the ki.se website.

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

The doctoral project will focus on the development of high-throughput 3D imaging technology and identifying groundbreaking biomedical phenomena. Applicants with the following skills and experiences will have an advantage:

• Experience in developing new technologies
• Knowledge of (bio)chemistry and biotechnology
• Practical experience in animal handling and histology analysis
• Proficiency in standard laboratory methods such as DNA electrophoresis, western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and in situ hybridization
• Familiarity with tissue clearing techniques
• Previous experience in advanced light microscopy, especially light-sheet microscopy
• Experience using image analysis software such as Imaris, Amira, etc.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, R, and/or others

The successful candidate will be capable of working efficiently and productively within a team, while also developing the professional ability to work independently on their specific project over time. Additionally, we value candidates who are: 1) highly motivated to advance scientific knowledge through innovative and robust method development, and 2) exceptionally flexible in refining their ideas via discussion and collaboration. Essential qualities include meticulous attention to detail, strict adherence to research ethics, and excellent documentation and organizational skills.

As English is the official language of our group, candidates must possess outstanding oral and written English language skills.

In selecting the successful candidate, we will emphasize personal suitability, motivation, creativity, knowledge, and practical experience.

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.

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