Doctoral (PhD) student position in Signal transduction

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 Signal Transduction research group at the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery is interested in complex signal-transduction in pancreatic islet cells under physiological and diabetic conditions. In recent years, the group has established an innovative and versatile platform based on islet transplantation into the anterior chamber of the eye and successfully pioneered its application in in vivo characterization of signal-transduction in islet cells and other cells.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The endocrine pancreas and the β-cells within the islets of Langerhans are critical for glucose homeostasis. Their dysfunction is crucial for the pathogenesis of both type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, the initial causative mechanisms of the failure in the regulation of insulin secretion from β-cells during T2DM development are yet to be clarified. Glucolipotoxicity induced by the dietary habits in the Western countries has been pointed out as a major factor to induce β-cell dysfunction and failure. In this project the student will focus on a novel paracrine system within the islets which is dysregulated during T2DM development and can interfere with lipid utilization. The student will characterize the metabolic phenotype and islet morphology in a novel mouse model with a humanized lipid profile and analyse the role of circulating lipids on β-cell function and survival in T2DM development. Moreover, the student will focus on an aspect often neglected in diabetes research which is the impact of the exocrine tissue on islet function during health and T2DM development. This will be reached with the help of a novel platform to study pancreatic endocrine-exocrine interaction in vivo.

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 an enthusiastic, highly motivated, and socially skilled candidate that enjoys working in a collaborative environment. The candidate should be able to work independently and have knowledge in how to ask and interpret scientific questions and to critically review the results. Since the applicant will work in a highly international environment good communication skills and proficiency in spoken and written English are essential.

The candidate should have an interest in scientific research related to T2DM and pancreatic functions as well as whole body metabolism. The applicant should have laboratory experience within the field of cell biology with special emphasis on 3D cell assembly and culture, immunohistochemistry and microscopy techniques.

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.

Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery | Karolinska Institutet

Signal Transduction – Per-Olof Berggren's research group | Karolinska Institutet

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