Doctoral (PhD) student position in integrative physiology - 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 Integrative Physiology research group at the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery at Karolinska Institutet is seeking a highly motivated doctoral student to join the group of Professor Juleen R. Zierath to investigate the mechanisms of the beneficial effects of exercise to combat insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes. The candidate will have the opportunity to join our research group and work on projects focused on immunometabolism and exercise in orchestrating the metabolic and inflammatory adaptations of skeletal muscle.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The project will focus on immunometabolic responses in skeletal muscle and their beneficial effects of exercise in insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes using different model systems. The doctoral project will be focused on small molecules and metabolites activating inflammation in skeletal muscle and regulating glucose and lipid homeostasis. Molecular mechanisms and effects of targets on whole-body energy homeostasis will be studied using in vitro and in vivo model systems. Identified targets will be validated in human blood and skeletal muscle biopsies.
The student is expected to fulfil the course requirements of the doctoral program, participate in regular group meetings, seminars, present at national/international meetings and take part in routine work within the research team.

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 candidate will work on the interplay between the immune system and skeletal muscle in orchestrating the metabolic adaptations to exercise and metabolic diseases. Work will be performed in isolated tissues as well as in a whole-body setting using several model systems. Projects cover basic science, disease mechanisms as well as protocol and assay development.
The applicant must be ambitious and demonstrate an interest in exercise physiology, metabolism and inflammation. Research experience in cell biology and molecular biology is an advantage. Experience in primary cell culture, immunoblotting, PCR and immunohistochemistry is also valuable. The candidate must be fluent in English and have excellent writing skills. We are looking for a cooperative candidate who thrives to work with others. The candidate will join an enthusiastic, collaborative, hardworking and dynamic team.

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.

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