Doctoral (PhD) student position in stem cell based treatment of blindness - 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 Lanner lab use pluripotent stem cells for studies of early human development and to establish cell-based regenerative medicine strategies (Petropoulos et al Cell 2016, Collier et al., Cell Stem Cell 2017, Wagner et al Nature Communication 2020, Posfai et al., Nature Cell Biology 2021). We have established novel methodologies to produce retinal cells as well as insulin producing pancreatic islets towards the treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Diabetes. Our first clinical study to treat AMD is planned to initiate in 2022 following our ongoing cell manufacturing and preclinical testing, in close collaboration with S:t Eriks Eye Hospital and Novo Nordisk.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We have already established methods to produce retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells for treatment of AMD (Plaza Reyes et al., Stem Cell Reports 2016, Petrus-Reurer et al Stem Cell Reports 2020, Plaza Reyes et al., Nature Communication 2020). Our next goal is to now also produce the photoreceptors for future treatment of inheritable retinal disease where these cells degenerate or are lost. The project will be pursued independently but in close collaboration other lab members and with Anders Kvantas and Andre Helders research teams together with industrial partners.

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 a highly motivated, independent and talented student to undertake PhD studies. Emphasis is placed towards ability to communicate research as well as knowledge in stem cell based therapy, developmental biology and ophtamology. Method specific skills are desireable in culture and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells, microscopy, flow cytometry and single cell transcriptional analysis.

We put great emphasis on personal qualities in the selection of candidates.

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.

Lanner Lab

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