Doctoral student - Identifying the molecular mechanisms behind selective neuronal vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

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 student will join the team of Dr. Patricia Rodriguez Rodriguez, at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS). Located at the Bioclinicum building in Solna Campus. The group has extensive experience in the field of Alzheimer's disease and in the use of a wide arrange of cell-specific approaches to study of the molecular mechanisms underlying vulnerability.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral student will participate on a project focused on exploring the molecular mechanisms responsible for the early degeneration of a specific brain region in Alzheimer's disease, where entorhinal cortex neurons degenerate at prodromal stages. To date, the reason for early manifestation of AD pathology in these specific cells is unknown.

The student will be focused on analyzing cell-specific transcriptomics data from human patients and mouse models and to implement new methods for in vivo cell-specific, spatially resolved proteomics. By using these approaches the student is expected to contribute to our knowledge on the biology of this region and how is it modified in disease-relevant conditions. The student will be supported by an international team of supervisors with extensive experience in the field.

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 candidates with academic qualifications corresponding to at least a master’s degree in molecular biology or biotechnology. The successful candidate will be expected to have excellent scientific ethics, a high level of responsibility and to be a good team worker. Previous research experience in the field of Alzheimer’s disease will be highly valued. It is desirable that the applicant has some previous experience in some of the areas listed below:

• Different molecular biology techniques, preferably in the neuroscience field, including western-blot, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence.
• Cell culturing, both primary neuronal cultures and hiPSC.
• Work with mouse models, including surgery. Laboratory Animal Science certification will be valued.
• Good time-management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in English and excellent communication 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
- 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.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all