PhD position in gene regulation driving cancer - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We are recruiting a student for doctoral education. 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 student will join the research group of Prof. Jussi Taipale under the supervision of Dr. Inderpreet Sur. The Taipale group is located at 3 sites- Karolinska Institutet, University of Cambridge and University of Helsinki (https://www.taipalelabs.org/). The laboratory focuses on the study of transcriptional control of cell growth, using functional genomics and systems biology. The group uses a multi-disciplinary approach integrating methods development for high-throughput screenings, bioinformatics, molecular cell biology, cell-culture and animal models, to characterize and understand the gene regulatory code in normal and cancer cells. Current lines of work include high-throughput determination of binding sites and binding specificities of human transcription factors, using this information to identify regulatory elements that control cell growth during normal development or in cancer and validation of identified elements using cultured cells and mouse genetic models (see for example Hallikas et al., Cell 124:47-59, 2006; Kivioja et al., Nature Methods 9:72-74, 2011; Sur et al., Science 338:1360-1363, 2012; Jolma et al., Cell 152:327-339, 2013; Yan et al., Cell 154:801-813, 2013; Jolma et al., Nature 527:384-388, 2015; Yin et al., Science 356: eaaj2239, 2017; Zhu et al., Nature 562: 76-81, 2018; Jolma et al., Genome Research 30: 962-973, 2020, Yan et al., Nature in press).

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

This research project will focus on how changes in regulatory networks controlling the expression of the MYC oncogene reprogram cells into a cancerous fate. The PhD student will primarily perform computational analysis of sc-RNA seq, sc-ATACseq data and WGS data generated from mice to determine the cell-dynamics in the intestine during physiological and pathological proliferation and to identify the mechanisms by which changes in gene expression leads to increase in risk for tumorigenesis. The successful applicant will acquire basic as well as specialized knowledge and understanding in gene regulation, chromatin states, cancer biology and computational analysis.

The PhD student is expected to take a strong lead in project design, management, data analyses and interpretation. The duties also include to working in a 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 Genomics, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, or Biochemistry. Proven experiences in high-throughput data analysis, bioinformatics and programming for statistical computing are particularly advantageous. A strong interest in interdisciplinary research and creative thinking abilities are essential. Applicants wishing to integrate computational and experimental biology approaches are especially encouraged to apply.

The ideal candidate should be collaborative, scientifically adventurous, 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 (for example first- or co-author publications) are advantageous. 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.

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.

Your application must contain the following documents. We prefer that your application is written in English, but you can also apply in Swedish:

- 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.

https://ki.se/en/mbb/department-of-medical-biochemistry-and-biophysics

https://www.taipalelabs.org/

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