Doctoral (PhD) student position in non-coding RNAs in cell differentiation and cancer - 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 Pivarcsi research group is part of Department of Medicine, Solna, and is located at the Centre for Molecular Medicine at the Karolinska University Hospital area, and the group is also located at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, at Uppsala Biomedical Centrum at Uppsala University. The group investigates the role of microRNAs and long-non-coding RNAs in stem cell differentiation in the skin, in skin carcinogenesis and in the innate immune response of keratinocytes. The group consists of both experienced researchers and PhD students and relies on a wide array of state-of-the-art molecular biology methods that allow studying gene regulation in cell culture, reconstructed tissue and animal models.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The overarching aim of this doctoral project is to understand the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in epidermal differentiation and carcinogenesis. We recently identified a number of skin-specific, previously uncharacterized non-coding RNAs with altered expression in a common skin cancer type, cutaneous Squamous Cell carcinoma (cSCC). The purpose of this doctoral study will be to delineate of the role of selected ncRNAs in epidermal differentiation and keratinocyte cancers.

The doctoral student will work on several project in parallel including joining to already ongoing research as well as starting new lines of research during his/her doctoral studies. The student is expected to be work as a part of a team, taking responsibility for her/his work in a structured manner and with open mind set and communication. The student will work with cellular models of cell differentiation, in vitro cancer models using loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments using CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing and activation as well as animal models of cancer.

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 seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong interest in research. The candidate should have a master degree or equivalent in biomedicine, molecular biology, medicine, or related disciplines.

Necessary skills and personal qualities

• Strong, genuine interest in research and a curious mind set
• Experience in basic molecular biology techniques
• Fluent in English both in oral and written communication
• The student is required to have the ability to work as a part of a team, to follow instructions, meet deadlines discuss and communicate problems in a professional manner with supervisors and group members.
• The student is expected to be precise in both work and documentation.
• Independence to search for information relevant to the research project, communicate need for establishing new methods to achieve the set goals of the research project.
• Ability to collaborate with lab members and outside the lab.
• Flexibility to work in a dynamic environment collaborating with other labs within Sweden (both collaborators at Karolinska Institutet and at Uppsala University) as well as outside Sweden (international collaborators of the PI within EU).

Meritorious skills and personal qualities

• Experience in one or more of the methods required for the project such as: animal models, culturing of primary cells/3D cultures, methods related to non-coding RNA research, flow cytometry
• Experience in analysis of transcriptomics/RNAseq data, experience in R

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.

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.

Location

The Department of Medicine, Solna, consists of twelve divisions and each division consists of several research groups. The position is located within the research group Pivarcsi. The group is located at the Centre for Molecular Medicine (CMM) at the Karolinska University Hospital area, and we are also located at Uppsala Biomedical Center at Uppsala University.

Your career continues here

https://www.imbim.uu.se/research-groups/cancer/pivarcsi-andor/

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all