Doctoral (PhD) student position in translational medicine in rheumatology with a focus on B cell biology and antibody engineering

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 Division of Rheumatology, at the Department of Medicine, Solna, is an active and internationally successful research unit. Here clinical, experimental and epidemiological research is conducted in close collaboration with the rheumatology clinic at the Karolinska University Hospital, Solna. The division has a leading role in several national and international consortia and networks. Work will be conducted in Dr. Caroline Grönwall’s research group that has a focus on understanding the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease with a special interest in B-cells and autoreactive antibodies.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We are looking for a motivated doctoral student with an interest in translational research, immunology, and molecular biology methodology. The project is focused on studies of autoantibodies and B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is an autoimmune disease with multiorgan involvement and dysregulation of the adaptive immune system, in particular B cells. In the project the student will study the role of B cells and autoantibodies in the SLE pathogenesis by B cell phenotyping, serological screening, BCR repertoire and single cell analysis, and by generation of monoclonal antibodies from patient B cells. The applicant should be enthusiastic about research and translational medicine. As a doctoral student, the candidate is expected to perform practical laboratory work, contribute to experimental design, optimization of methods, analysis of data, and presentation of results. The student will also participate in courses, seminars and conferences.

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 have a background in biotechnology, medicine or biomedicine and a strong interest in immunology. Practical experience of techniques such as PCR, protein engineering, antibody assays, transcript analysis, cell culture and/or flow cytometry are expected. Knowledge in data analysis and bioinformatics are also beneficial. The applicant must be willing to work with human blood and tissue samples. As a doctoral student, the candidate is expected to be able to design and perform experiments in a rigorous and transparent manner. A successful candidate is expected to be open to learning new methods, be responsible, have a positive attitude, function well in team environment, and have a good ability for problem solving and independent work. Strong communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English is a necessity.

Terms and conditions

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

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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.

Location

The position is located within the Department of Medicine, Solna. The department consists of twelve divisions and each division consists of several research groups. The position is located within the research group  of Caroline Grönwall at the Division of Rheumatology

https://ki.se/en/research/research-areas-centres-and-networks/research-groups/b-cells-and-autoantibodies-in-rheumatic-disease-team-caroline-gronwall

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