Gene editing for primary immunodeficiencies - 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 Department of Laboratory Medicine consists of 6 divisions and is active in many areas of Laboratory Medicine. The department is involved in advanced basic scientific, clinical, and epidemiological research. The department is one of the largest departments of education at Karolinska Institutet. 

Division
The Department of Laboratory of Medicine, located in Huddinge Campus, is one of the Karolinska Institutet’s largest departments with 9 research divisions including the Clinical Research Centre (CRC), where the project will be carried out. 350 people are employed at the department, half of which are PhD-students. The Centre provides the facilities needed for cell- and molecular biology research and the possibility to perform research in vivo.

Our research efforts in Nordin´s lab focus on one of the greatest challenges facing modern therapeutics; delivery. Despite the unprecedented knowledge of diseases and their mechanisms due to advances in biomedical sciences; many promising therapeutic approaches are still clinically unavailable. The Nordin group develops innovative cell and gene therapies for advanced applications. We aim to deliver macromolecules, such as CRISPR, siRNA, mRNA, etc., to cells both in vivo and ex vivo. The future Ph.D.-student would work on a project regarding CRISPR editing of immune deficiencies to permanently treat patients. The aim is to deliver vectors capable of delivering the CRISPR editing machinery to specific cells both ex vivo and in vivo with our developed engineered natural nanoparticles.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We are seeking a highly motivated person to join the group of Assistant Professor Joel Nordin as a PhD-student to work on the development of bioengineered targeted nanoparticles.

The work will involve the engineering of nanoparticles for targeted delivery to hematopoietic stem cells, mainly ex vivo to reduce the toxicity and increase the efficacy of the editing of the stem cells compared to the techniques used today. This will include working with patient-specific cells as well as cell lines. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of laboratory work in the project and drive the project forward. He/She will furthermore have many opportunities to develop their own projects within the framework of the larger project goals.

In addition to the main supervisor Joel Nordin, the student will have three co-supervisors: Prof. Stephan Mielke, Assoc. Prof. Rula Zain, and prof. Edvard Smith. The successful candidate will take part in all research-related activities such as group meetings, departmental seminars, relevant international meetings, supervision of other students and researchers, if necessary, as well as contribute to common lab routines. Finally, the PhD student will work to fulfil the course requirements of the PhD program as outlined in the relevant rules and documentation available at the ki.se website.

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

It is an advantage with prior knowledge regarding basic biology and/or drug delivery. It is furthermore a merit to have practical lab experience in the following areas: foremost practical experience regarding PCR, cell culture, lentivirus preparation, and plasmid generation is a merit. Previous practice from molecular cloning, next-generation sequencing, other common molecular biology techniques, handling of stem cells, and experience regarding R-programming is beneficial. The ideal candidate would furthermore have experience within the EV field, but this is not required.

In addition, excellent proficiency in both spoken and written English is important. We are looking for an energetic and passionate person who fits in and actively contributes to our team. The future Ph.D. candidate should be comfortable working independently as well as in a team.

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