PhD Position in Cell & Molecular Biology: Protein Inheritance & Aging - 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

Our research group operates within the Division of Clinical Chemistry at the Department of Laboratory Medicine. Our primary focus is unravelling the molecular basis of cardiometabolic diseases in the context of healthy aging. Our team comprises a diverse array of experts, including physicists, biologists, chemists, and computational biologists. This multidisciplinary composition fosters a stimulating scientific environment conducive to innovative research approaches. With access to modern and fully equipped laboratories at ANA Futura, our group is well-equipped to conduct high-quality research across various disciplines.

In addition to conducting research in our lab, this position offers collaborative opportunities and international experience. The successful candidate will have the chance to work with our collaborators at the University of Toronto in Canada. This collaboration enriches the doctoral experience, providing exposure to diverse perspectives and networking opportunities. Candidates should be prepared for possible travel and living abroad during these stages.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

This project aims to uncover the principles of protein inheritance and its impact on aging and rejuvenation. We will utilize budding yeast as a model organism to investigate how cells asymmetrically inherit proteins during division, a process crucial for cellular development and health. By systematically mapping the complete proteome of yeast, we aim to identify proteins with asymmetric inheritance and elucidate the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon.

Furthermore, we will explore the implications of our findings for human health, especially regarding cardiometabolic diseases using innovative mouse models as well as organotypic in vitro systems. By translating our insights from yeast to humans, we aim to uncover potential links between protein inheritance, aging-related changes, and cardiometabolic pathologies.

As a doctoral student, you will play a central role in the research process, from study design to data analysis and interpretation. Through active participation in coursework, seminars, and journal clubs, you will develop into an independent researcher capable of completing a doctoral thesis project.

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 seeking a highly motivated and scientifically driven individual to join our research team as a PhD candidate in cell biology. The ideal candidate should possess a strong enthusiasm for scientific exploration, particularly in the field of cell biology and functional genomics. Given the collaborative nature of our research, excellent teamwork and communication skills are essential. Proficiency in English, both oral and written, is required. Candidates should have a background in biomedical sciences with expertise in molecular biology or biotechnology, including practical experience in laboratory techniques such as cell culture, PCR, cloning, and western blotting. Basic proficiency in using office software and statistical analysis tools such as SPSS, GraphPad Prism, or R is also necessary. Additional experience in computational biology is advantageous. We seek candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest in basic science and are eager to contribute to cutting-edge research in cell biology.

Terms and conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

Location: Flemingsberg

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.

 Division of Clinical chemistry | Karolinska Institutet (ki.se)

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