Doctoral (PhD) student position in Adipocyte Systems Biology - 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

Increased white adipose tissue mass is closely associated with cardiometabolic complications. Our research aims to understand how alterations in the human white adipose tissue cellular landscape and microarchitecture are casually related to common disorders such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. We are particularly interested in the role of adipocytes and their link to disturbed tissue function. Our group consists of 10-15 members (postdoctoral fellows, senior researchers, and technical staff) and has all the necessary infrastructure to conduct translational research including a fully equipped preclinical laboratory at NEO and a clinical research unit at the Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious PhD student to join the research group of Drs. Mikael Rydén (co-supervisor) and Niklas Mejhert (main supervisor) at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge. The project will be performed in collaboration with Dr. Patrik Ståhl (co-supervisor) who leads a laboratory at KTH Royal Institute of Technology which is world-leading in spatial mapping approaches. Together, we will determine how the cellular landscape and microarchitecture of white adipose tissue is affected in health and disease. The studies are based on integrative analyses of single-cell, single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomic data and the results will followed-up in different cell culture systems of human adipocytes. Most of the work will be carried out in the Rydén and Mejhert laboratory in the NEO research building at Karolinska Institutet Campus Flemingsberg.

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 will prioritize applicants with experience in coding (e.g., Python, R), cell culture work, and standard laboratory techniques (e.g., western blot, real-time PCR, cloning, immunoprecipitation). Computer literacy and proficiency in English are required for the tasks. As our group works in an open and non-hierarchical organization, it is important to also have collaborative and communicative skills.

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 (Swedish or English)
- Degree projects and previous publications, if any (Swedish or English)
- Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above (Swedish or English)
- 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 two research groups:

Rydén and Mejhert laboratory
Ståhl laboratory

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