Doctoral (PhD) student position in Cardiovascular immunology - 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

Our research group has recently discovered how immune responses towards low-density lipoprotein (LDL) affect lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis in a novel model system of LDL autoimmunity. We now seek an energetic and creative person to continue these studies regarding vascular inflammation to find effector mechanisms and potential treatment targets. This innovative project is a part of a larger research program targeting immune-vascular interactions to combat atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The successful applicant will work within a multidisciplinary team of experimental and clinical scientists, and together with national and international collaborators. This project is led by Anton Gisterå (https://staff.ki.se/people/anton-gistera) and is supported by KID funding.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The successful applicant will work together with other scientists in the group and perform mechanistic studies of adaptive immune reactions in atherosclerosis. Your mission will be to identify responses evoked by LDL-reactive T cells that regulate lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis. This will include the study of genetically modified mice and human biobank material. Specific immune responses, metabolic effects, and atherosclerotic plaque morphometrics are key readouts. Experiments will commonly involve cell culture, flow cytometry, RNA sequencing, molecular cloning with bacteria, and immunochemical techniques. The successful candidate is expected to work closely with other members of the research group, contribute significantly to a productive research environment, and obtain training in the doctoral program for cardiovascular research.

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 seek a creative and highly motivated individual with a desire to perform exploratory research in the field of cardiovascular immunology. To qualify, the applicant must have a Master’s degree in immunology, biomedicine, or equivalent. Merit is given to applicants who have previous lab experience and experience with immunological and/or metabolic profiling techniques. Practical experience with antibody-based methods such, as immunoblotting, flow cytometry, molecular cloning, and immunochemical imaging as well as performing animal experiments is highly desirable. Experience with bioinformatics, functional lipoprotein metabolism studies, and human cell culture assays is an advantage. The candidate should have good communication skills and the ability to interact effectively and work productively in a team of international researchers. Fluency in English is a requirement. Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability, technical competence, and experience with relevant methods for the project.

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. 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.

Location

The employment will be at the Department of Medicine, Solna. The Department consists of twelve divisions and each division consists of several research groups. This position is located within the research group of Olofsson, and the Hansson team, at the Cardiovascular Medicine Division. The research laboratory is located in the Bioclinicum building at Karolinska University Hospital Solna and the group is affiliated with the Center for Molecular Medicine.

department

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