Doctoral (PhD) student position in RNA biology and transcriptomics - 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 Kutter lab explores molecular mechanisms by which coding and noncoding RNAs regulate species evolution, organ development and cell differentiation in healthy and diseased cells. The roles of regulatory RNAs are interrogated genome- and transcriptome-wide by employing a combination of next generation sequencing technologies and high-throughput genetic screening approaches, developing computational methods, along with completing biochemical, molecular and cell biological methods (Geng et al. Genome Research 2022, Søndergaard et al. Gut, 2022, Gao et al. Genome Research 2022). The group uses an integrative and collaborative approach and works closely with experimental and computational groups at the MTC, Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), and other local and international research groups.

For more information on the work of the laboratory, please visit https://www.scilifelab.se/researchers/claudia-kutter/.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The human body consists of hundreds of highly specialized and morphologically diverse cells, yet virtually every cell in the body contains the same genetic information. To exert cell-specific functions, high fidelity mechanisms restrict the expression and processing to only a particular set of genes and transcripts. Abnormal cell behavior as seen in many fatal human diseases, such as cancer, is often the consequence of aberrant transcripts formation. The research program for this position focuses on the regulation of coding and noncoding RNAs during cell differentiation and disease progression, with a particular interest in the involvement of RNA binding proteins during transcript processing and how they synergize with other cofactors in mammalian systems by using diverse cell lines, mouse and human tissues as model system.

As a member of the Kutter lab, the successful applicant will apply, optimizeand integrate novel transcriptome- and genome-wide approaches (based on bulk and single cell RNA-sequencing and epigenome profiling data) to study the processing and regulation of noncoding RNAs in processing in liver development and diseases, carry out validation experiments involving biochemical and molecular biological tools, and participate in the general duties of the team. The post holder will take a strong lead in the project design and management as well as data generation, analyses, and interpretation, participate in the general duties of the team and collaborate with other team members. The ideal candidate is expected to report the scientific results by writing scientific papers, attending scientific meetings, and effectively communicate with peers. The ability to work in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment, and to engage in continuous professional development is a must.

The main supervisor is Dr. Claudia Kutter (KI-MTC, SciLifeLab). The candidate will be co-supervised by Prof. Dr. Jorge Ruas (KI-FyFa) and Dr. Oscar Bedoya Reina (KI-MTC).

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 who have a degree in Biomedicine, Bioinformatics, Genomics, Transcriptomics, Molecular Biology, Genetics and/or Biochemistry. Proven experiences in mammalian RNA biology, gene regulation, transcriptome studies; FISH, single molecule imaging and microscopy; FRET, biochemical, and molecular assays; mammalian tissue culture techniques and cellular/metabolic profiling; the CRISPR/Cas system are important. Prior knowledge in bioinformatics and R programming for statistical computing and graphics is an asset. A strong interest in interdisciplinary technology development, and novel and creative thinking abilities are essential. Applicants wishing to integrate computational and experimental biology approaches are especially encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate should be collaborative, scientifically adventurous, curiosity-driven, and should bring independent and original ideas into the project. Any previous records of independent research as well as productive interactions within a multi-disciplinary team environment (e.g., first- and/or co-author publications in high profile journals) are advantageous. Since the applicant will work in a multidisciplinary environment the ability to work with other scientist and good communication skills (proficiency in spoken and written English) 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://ki.se/en/mtc/kutter-group-regulatory-transcriptions

https://www.scilifelab.se/researchers/claudia-kutter/

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