Doctoral (PhD) student position in the project “Regulation of lifespan by nutritional signals and the mitochondria” - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Biosciences and Nutrition performs research and education in several areas of
medical science including aging, Alzheimer´s disease, biomaterials, molecular endocrinology, cancer biology, functional genomics, systems biology, epigenetics, structural biochemistry, bioorganic chemistry, immunology, and nutrition. It offers an excellent international research and work environment, including around 250 scientists, students, administrative and technical personnel. The Department resides in Neo at Campus Flemingsberg, a biomedical research building, aimed at being a creative and an open environment that enables meetings, synergies, and exploration of areas of mutual interest across disciplines.

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

We are looking for a PhD student to join the research group of Christian Riedel. The research group studies the molecular mechanisms that regulate aging, in particular in response to nutrient availability. This research is conducted in C. elegans and in human cells, and combines biochemistry (e.g. proteomics), cytology, and modern sequencing techniques (e.g. ChIP-Seq and mRNA-Seq) with high-throughput genetic screening approaches (RNAi), to understand the regulation of aging at molecular and mechanistic resolution. The team consists of 3 Postdocs, 1 PhD student, occasional undergraduate students, and the group leader, which together provide a vibrant and stimulating research environment.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Focus of this position is to explore an exciting new regulator of FOXO transcription factors (TFs) which we found to be required for FOXO TFs to promote longevity in response to low nutrient signals and disturbed mitochondrial function. This work is conducted both in C. elegans and in human cells. A substantial amount of preliminary data already exists, providing a good chance to bring this project to a high-impact publication over the course of the next 2-3 years. For this work, you will synergize with the aging biologists and a bioinformatician in our lab and have the support of a larger aging-focused and well-equipped research environment at our department. Further, you will be supported by co-supervisors with deep expertise in mitochondrial biology and metabolism.

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

The successful applicant should have a solid background in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, and/or Biochemistry. Desirable are undergraduate or master degrees in biomedicine, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, molecular genetics or similar. He/she is expected to be a talented, highly motivated, and hardworking student, with a good understanding of biochemical, molecular and genetic techniques, and an interest to work in model organisms. Prior expertise in aging biology or knowledge of C. elegans or mammalian cell culture techniques are appreciated, even though they are not essential. Emphasis will be placed also on personal suitability. The applicant should have good communication skills and be proficient in spoken and written English.

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.

Links to additional information

https://ki.se/en/bionut/department-of-biosciences-and-nutrition

https://ki.se/en/bionut/christian-riedel-group

http://riedellab.org/

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