Doctoral (PhD) student position in Alzheimer research - 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 PhD position will be in Sophia Schedin Weiss group at the Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department NVS, BioClinicum, Solna. Our main goals are to understand the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD) and find novel biomarkers and treatment strategies for the disease. We study pathogenic mechanisms related to AD in primary neurons and AD mouse models. To this end, we use various biochemical, cell biological and microscopic techniques, including so called super-resolution microscopy, and mass spectrometry. We have also discovered a glycan biomarker for AD that we aim to evaluate in different patient groups. We collaborate with several research groups nationally and internationally as well as with actors in health care.  

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The overall goal is to understand pathological pathways leading to Alzheimer disease. You will analyze Alzheimer-related pathways in primary neurons by using confocal and super-resolution microscopy. You will prepare primary cultures of cortical and hippocampal mouse or rat neurons and stain these with appropriate antibodies and labels. The project will also involve other cell biological and biochemical approaches, including immunohistochemistry of brain sections. Moreover, we will use immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry to find novel proteins and elucidate mechanisms involved in AD pathogenesis. Your role is to participate in all parts of the PhD project; do literature searches, plan studies, manage data, do statistical analyses and write manuscripts. You will participate in relevant courses, seminars and present your results at international conferences. You will be greatly supported by a group of supervisors with expertise in Alzheimer's disease, cell biology, biochemistry and analytical methods.

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 highly motivated person with an interest in neurodegenerative disorders, in particular Alzheimer disease. You should have an education in medicine, biomedicine, cell biology, biochemistry, neurobiology or similar. Experience from laboratory work is a requirement.

It is meritorious to have:

• Experience in research on neurodegenerative disorders
• Experience in preparing tissue sections
• Experience in immunohistochemistry
• Experience in statistical computing software 
• Experience in culturing of primary neurons
• Experience in confocal microscopy and image analysis
• Experience in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry

We value a strong collaborative attitude, good social skills and good skills in writing and communication. The working language is English.

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.

Sophia Schedin Weiss | Medarbetare (ki.se)

Lars Tjernberg Group | Karolinska Institutet (ki.se)

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