Doctoral (PhD) student position in Immunology and Cell biology

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

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 Lisa Westerberg laboratory (https://ki.se/en/mtc/lisa-westerberg-group) focuses on understanding why patient with inborn errors of the immune system are prone to develop autoimmune diseases and malignancies of poor prognosis. To accomplish this, the laboratory combines analysis of rare patient samples from clinical collaborators world-wide and unique animal models developed by the lab with focus on regulators of the actin cytoskeleton. The Westerberg laboratory is located at the top modern Biomedicum research building at Karolinska Institutet that provides a vibrant international research environment and in-house infrastructure for advanced technology platforms, lectures by world-leading scientists, and excellent seminar series. The Westerberg laboratory has all equipment and expertise needed to perform the project including advanced flow cytometry and cell sorting for genomic approaches, retro/lentiviral work, and advanced imaging using the extensive core facilities of Biomedicum.

The Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at Karolinska Institutet conducts research and teaching within immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. MTC has about 40 research groups and our key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, national and international collaborations.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The research project will characterize fundamental features of the immune system in cancer and test how the immune system can be modulated in new approaches for immune therapy. Using natural mutants in patients with loss-of-function and gain-of-function in actin regulators, the PhD student will investigate how actin cytoskeleton dynamics is maintained to prevent genetic instability and cell transformation. The overall goal is to define the general processes that maintain stability of the mammalian genome and suppress cancer in immune cells. Importantly, the project will offer substantial training in state-of-the-art biomedical research and promote professional and personal development.

The successful applicant will acquire basic as well as specialized knowledge and understanding in immunology and tumor biology and how to address research questions within these topics. The PhD student will learn to apply, master, and develop research methodologies in immunology and tumor biology, in which the group is specialized. Examples of skills that will be explored include advanced flow cytometry and imaging techniques, retro/lentiviral work, state-of-the-art molecular biology experimentation, and work with human cells and animal models for tumor immunology.

The successful applicant is expected to take a strong lead in project design, management, data generation, as well as analyses and interpretation. The duties also include working in a highly collaborative team and to adhere to high scientific standards and responsibilities. The ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment and to engage in continuous professional development is a must.

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 and highly motivated candidate who has a degree in Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, Genomics, or Biochemistry. Proven experiences in flow cytometry, imaging, transcriptome studies, mammalian cell or tissue culture techniques, animal research, and bioinformatics is of advantage. A strong interest in interdisciplinary experimental method development and creative thinking abilities are essential. Applicants wishing to integrate human and mouse work are especially encouraged to apply.

The ideal candidate should be collaborative, curiosity-driven, and should bring independent and original ideas into the project. Any previous records of independent research as well as productive interactions within a multi-disciplinary team environment, as evident in first- or co-author publications, is of advantage. Since the applicant will work in a multidisciplinary environment the ability to work with other scientist and good communication skills, proficiency in spoken and written English, are necessary. Since in vivo experimentation is performed using animals, the applicant must be willing to perform animal research.

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.

Immunodeficiency Diseases – Lisa Westerberg Group | Karolinska Institutet

Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology | Karolinska Institutet

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