Doctoral (PhD) student position in “Nanoengineered precision therapies against lower respiratory tract infections” - 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

The Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology at Karolinska Institutet (KI) announces an opportunity to join the Bionanomaterial Technology Laboratory and research group of Principal Investigator Assoc. Professor Dr. Georgios A. Sotiriou as PhD student in “Nanoengineered precision therapies against lower respiratory tract infections” financed by a Swedish Research Council Research Environment Grant. The Bionanomaterial Technology Laboratory is an ERC-funded lab and has world-leading expertise in the synthesis of functional nanoscale materials and devices for biomedicine using flame aerosol technology. The focus of the research program lies on studying the physicochemical properties of materials made by aerosol processes and then applying this fundamental understanding to tailor sophisticated functional particles and particle-enabled devices for biomedical applications. Our lab is in a vibrant research environment located in the state-of-the-art research building Biomedical at the KI Solna Campus.Enter here a description of the research group and/or the unit/department where the doctoral student will be working.

The Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at Karolinska Institutet conducts research and teaching within immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. MTC have about 40 research groups and our key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, national and international collaborations.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The PhD position correspond to 4 years, this includes lab work, courses, seminars, and presentation of results at meetings. Other responsibilities include development of methodology and work routines, literature review, statistical analysis, drafting scientific manuscripts and adhering to the lab manual routines.

The overarching aim of this project is to develop nanoparticle-enabled precision therapies of bacterial infections in the lower respiratory tract using next generation technologies. The PhD student will work closely together with four different research groups with expertise in (i) nanoparticle technology, (ii) organic chemistry, (iii) clinical bacteriology and infectious diseases, and (iv) computational modelling of drug distribution and anti- bacterial effects to address this challenge. The main tasks of the student are to develop an arsenal of both “passive” and “bioactive” nanoparticles (that may exert inherent antimicrobial action) that can act as carriers of novel peptide and small molecule drugs for their pulmonary delivery and to optimize the physicochemical properties of both the nanoparticles (e.g. size, surface chemistry) as well as the drug molecules to achieve high loading per nanocarrier mass and minimize any particle-specific side-effects.

Specifically, the student will produce a variety of nanoparticles by flame aerosol technology and evaluate their antibacterial performance, and work in close collaboration with colleagues to functionalize the developed nanoparticles with specific biomolecules against bacterial pathogens.

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 enthusiastic and highly motivated candidates to join our team who have a undergraduate (BSc and/or BSc) degree in Applied Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Modelling, Chemical and/or Process Engineering, Material Science and/or Engineering, Nanoscience or related fields. Experience in pharmaceutical formulation methodologies, nanoparticle technology and solid state characterization is desirable. Further experience with biological systems will be considered a plus. Since the applicant will work in a multidisciplinary environment the ability to work with other scientists and good communication skills are important.

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.

https://sotirioulab.org

https://ki.se/en/mtc/georgios-sotiriou-laboratory-bionanomaterial-technology

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