Doctoral (PhD) student position in Translational Neuropharmacology in Parkinson’s disease - 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 section for Translational Neuropharmacology works with Movement Disorders. Parkinson´s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorders with a largely unknown etiology. The next breakthrough in the treatment of Parkinsons disease (PD) will be aimed at interference or blockade of disease progression, based on insights into the underlying pathogenic process. The development of this new generation of disease-modifying drugs is hampered by the lack of adequate diagnostics and biomarkers that reflects early signs of disease. The motor signs of PD are often preceded by non-motor symptoms including depression, anosmia, REM sleep disorder and constipation.

It is important to develop an improved knowledge of these clinical signs of early PD as neuroprotective and restorative therapies for PD would ideally be offered at an early stage to effectively modify disease progression. The laboratory develops cell and animal models to mimic the progressive disease progression in PD. Biochemical, histological, pharmacological, molecular biological and behavioral techniques are used in these studies. In clinical studies with patients, clinical ratings, biochemical and imaging (PET and MRI) analyses are being made. A special emphasis is placed on non-motor symptoms of PD and the identification of biomarkers. The information is transferred to a newly developed PD quality register. The research team also studies the pathophysiology of unipolar depression in animal models as well as in patient samples. In addition to PD, other movement disorders including Huntington's disease and ataxia are studied.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

This project is partly supported by a KID grant from the Karolinska Institutet. The focus is studies on molecular mechanisms underlying the pathology of GBA-Parkinson’s disease. The program uses a wide of methodologies including intracellular dynamics and signaling of molecules and their direct interactions or aggregation, studies of animal models and use of patient samples.

The studies relate to the role of GBA mutations in the etiologies of Parkinson's disease. The most common genetic risk factor to develop Parkinson's disease is mutations in the GBA gene. This project will try to better understand molecular mechanisms whereby GBA mutations cause Parkinson’s disease and develop therapies directed specifically towards GBA-Parkinson’s disease. Various molecular and cellular assays for protein aggregation, enzymatic activities and lysosomal functions will be employed in animal models. Biomarkers will be looked for in patient samples

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 successful candidate should have a strong drive to pursue translational research, and be ambitious and innovative. The project is pursued in collaboration with other researchers and good collaborative and communication skills are necessary. Knowledge and experience in neurology and/or molecular neuroscience, preferably in the neurodegeneration field, is advantageous. Experience of working with patients with Parkinson’s disease patients, transgenic mouse models, protein biochemistry and/or molecular cell biology techniques, is a merit.

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.

Read more about the research group here

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