Doctoral (PhD) student position in computational and structural biology of cancer mutations in novel targets - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to top biomedical and interdisciplinary 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 lab on “Protein Dynamics and Mutation” strives to push biomedical research beyond its current boundaries integrating simulations and experiments at different scales. Our goal is to understand the structural and conformational mechanisms of proteins and how are they affected by cancer and mendelian disorders. We aim to recruit a team of passionate scientists at the cross-roads of structural and computational biology, with a genuine interest in human diseases and life mechanisms from a biophysical perspective. The group expertise encompasses from the development of coarse-grained and atomistic simulation methods to cryo-electron microscopy. Our research is performed in an interdisciplinary setting with strong collaboration with experimentalists and clinicians at KI, as well as national and international groups. Approximately 300 people from over 40 nations are currently working at the Department of Oncology-Pathology in about 30 research groups with cancer research profiles spanning from basic to translational and clinical research.

More information at: https://ki.se/en/onkpat/research-team-laura-orellana-protein-dynamics-and-mutation-lab

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral project will focus on the computational study of proteins such as transporters or enzymes, not considered oncogenic, but that carry clusters of cancer mutations. She/he will learn and apply computational techniques to study in-depth a few such protein families and identify potentially functional mutations to be tested in the wet-lab in-house or through collaborations. The student is expected to investigate independently the molecular mechanisms of mutations and their potential impact on the cell. He/She is expected to participate writing manuscripts for international scientific journals, as well as contribute to undergraduate and post-graduate educational and dissemination activities.

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.

Location: KI Solna Campus

Links:

See Ass. Prof. Orellana’s lab page for more information and selected publications:

https://ki.se/en/onkpat/research-team-laura-orellana-protein-dynamics-and-mutation-lab

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 doctoral researcher to join a new and growing research team dedicated to understand the effects of mutations from a structural and dynamical perspective. The candidate ideally will be familiar with programming, biophysics, protein purification, structural and molecular biology techniques, and eager to learn new methods beyond its main expertise field. She/he will learn to use structural bioinformatics analysis and molecular simulation tools (GROMACS, CHARMM, etc) to study novel cancer targets and potentially, test in the wet-lab potentially oncogenic mutations. Previous research experience e.g. in MSc projects will be valued.  

Fluency in English, a high level of organizational and communication skills, as well as an ability to work independently, is mandatory. The candidate is also expected to take a strong lead in  managing project, and contribute to writing manuscripts.

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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