Doctoral student position in illuminating mechanisms of muscle weakness - 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 overall aim of Lanner lab is to reveal mechanistic insights on how skeletal muscle metabolism and function declines during many common conditions/disorders/diseases (inc. obesity, autoimmune disease, cancer), and develop new interventions to improve the muscle metabolism and function, and thereby the quality of life for afflicted patients. Together in the lab, we seek to be a creative, positive, and attractive workplace where excellent interdisciplinary and translational science is performed. In this regard, we have started to unravel muscle pathophysiological mechanisms, e.g., we have identified a new mitochondrial modulator of muscle oxygen consumption and mass, determined a set of oxidative modifications on the contractile machinery which directly contributes to muscle weakness in patients with chronic autoimmune disease and elucidated how altered mitochondrial function contributes to muscle dysfunction in breast cancer. 

Lanner lab currently consists of three postdocs and two Master students and the PI. The group is located at the Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology in Biomedicum. Doctoral students in the lab benefit from the departmental environment (~ 90 PhD students in over 30 research groups) and the many initiatives it provides but are also integrated in the larger scientific context created by the 5 departments in Biomedicum. This allows the student to easily interact with colleagues in other scientific areas and to participate in local seminars and lectures.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Muscle dysfunction and weakness are frequent comorbidities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), resulting in increased disability and contributing to long-term sick leave. Currently, no efficient pharmacological tools exist that can counteract muscle weakness, partly explained by the fact that the molecular mechanisms underlying RA-induced muscle complications are unclear. This translational PhD project combines basic research in preclinical models with an exercise study in human individuals and aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle dysfunction in RA, with a special focus on mitochondria.

The doctoral student is expected to lead the project with assistance of the main supervisor and co-supervisors. The project responsibilities include a wide range of experiments including performing muscle analyzes (e.g., dissections, cryosections, confocal microscopy, omics analyses, analysis of mitochondrial structure and function, as well as ex vivo force measurements and data analysis) and maintaining preclinical models. Doctoral student is also expected to be integrated in undergraduate teaching of physiology at the Department.

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 a motivated and hardworking new lab member that have experience in working with skeletal muscle biology, preclinical animal models and big data analyses. As a person we are looking for an open and positive team player with good collaboration skills, as well as excellent planning, organizational and problem-solving 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.

https://ki.se/fyfa

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