Doktorandplats - The role of autophagy in Alzheimer's tau pathology - 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 Per Nilsson lab focuses on preclinical research on Alzheimer’s disease with a focus on protein homeostasis and the intracellular cleaning system autophagy. We use mouse models exhibiting Alzheimer pathologies to understand disease mechanisms and to test potential compounds in preclinical trials. Our studies build upon in vitro and in vivo models with cell-specific modulation of autophagy as well as on analysis of human clinical samples, to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of autophagy’s role in Alzheimer’s to explore the therapeutic potential of using autophagy to treat Alzheimer’s.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive impairment of memory and cognitive functions. Autophagy system is known to be severely disturbed in Alzheimer’s disease brains, and its impairment may enhance Alzheimer pathology development and aggravation. In this project we are specifically aiming to elucidate how autophagy is important to prevent Alzheimer pathology development and propagation by using both genetic autophagy inhibition and enhancement. The specific aims are:

• Analyze autophagy-deficiency-induced Alzheimer pathology spreading through extracellular vesicles
• Assess the effects of autophagy-deficiency on tau Alzheimer biomarkers.
• Harnessing the beneficial effects of autophagy activation for Alzheimer related tau protein clearance.

The student will use Alzheimer mouse models and a combination of in vivo techniques such as brain dissection, CSF and blood collection, mouse behavioral tests, and virus injections to enhance autophagy. The student will also perform different basic biochemical analysis including autophagy assays and analysis of large proteomics data.

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 

The applicant should be highly motivated and someone who can collaborate and function well in a team. We are looking for a person who proceeds with the project proactively and has an interest in neuroscience and Alzheimer’s. Skills are required in the following areas: immunohistochemical and biochemical analysis of brain and cell cultures. Previous experience of mouse animal work including behavioral assessments is preferable, including appropriate certificate for mouse animal work (FELASA C or equivalent)

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/nvs/per-nilsson-group

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