Doctoral (PhD) Student Position in Endocrine Molecular Pathology

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

Christofer Juhlin’s research team is dedicated to advancing the diagnosis and prognosis of endocrine-related tumors. We focus on tumors originating from endocrine tissues, including the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, and neuroendocrine tumors. Our primary goal is to develop innovative tools and strategies that enhance the detection, classification, and prediction of these complex diseases. Employing a multi-faceted approach that integrates modern molecular and genetic techniques with traditional light microscopy and histopathology, our research team aims to identify novel markers for the enhanced recognition of malignant disease and improved patient prognosis for poor-prognosis cases.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Unraveling the genetics of thyroid cancer progression and dedifferentiation is a complex endeavor that demands a highly motivated and self-driven individual. We seek a doctoral student with a passion for exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying this enigmatic disease. The doctoral project will delve into multiple facets of thyroid cancer progression, with a strong emphasis on functional studies utilizing thyroid cancer cell lines.

By leveraging cutting-edge sequencing profiling techniques, such as RNAseq, single-cell RNAseq, and spatial transcriptomics, coupled with traditional molecular methods like PCR, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, the candidate will contribute significantly to advancing our understanding of this complex disease.

As a member of our dynamic research team, the PhD candidate will actively participate in collaborative research projects and contribute to the overall goals of the group. Our laboratory provides a rich environment with access to a valuable repository of human tumor samples and relevant cell lines, providing an excellent environment for high-impact research.

Key responsibilities of the PhD candidate will include:

• Conducting experiments and analyzing data with meticulous attention to detail
• Presenting research findings at scientific meetings and in publications
• Collaborating effectively with team members to achieve shared research objectives
• Demonstrating initiative in designing experiments and overcoming technical challenges
• Staying informed of the latest scientific literature and applying new knowledge to research projects

Join our team and contribute to groundbreaking research that could significantly impact the lives of patients with thyroid cancer.

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

In addition to the above requirements for the position, the ideal candidate should possess:

• A master´s degree in molecular biology, biomedicine, biotechnology, or similar field
• Proven experience in cell culture, nucleic acids purification, and fundamental molecular biology techniques
• A strong foundation in biostatistics, with a particular emphasis on NGS data analysis
• Knowledge of programming languages for statistical analysis (such as R or Python) is highly advantageous, though not mandatory
• Fluency in English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills, is mandatory
• Strong teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills to work effectively within an international research team are mandatory; this PhD project is interdisciplinary and involves international collaborations
• Previous scientific work and/or publications within the field of endocrine tumors is meritorious.
• Previous work related to telomerase activation and/or micro-RNA dysregulation in human neoplasia is considered advantageous.

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.

Department of Oncology-Pathology

Molecular endocrine pathology – Christofer Juhlin's Team

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all