Doctoral studies in Cell Biology

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 Dantuma lab is part of the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) of the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, one of the world’s leading medical universities. The lab is located in Biomedicum, state-of-the-art research building on Solna campus. Our group has a long-standing interest in the role of protein quality control and protein degradation in neurodegenerative disorders. Accumulation of misfolded proteins is inherently linked to various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease. Throughout the years, we have developed various reporter systems to study the efficacy of protein degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The ultimate goal of this basic research line is to be able to modulate this proteolytic system in neurodegenerative diseases in a therapeutic setting.

Do you want to join us in this challenging and ambitious endeavor? We are currently looking for a doctoral student with an interest in understanding and targeting the ubiquitin-proteasome system in neurodegenerative diseases.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The main aim of this doctoral project is to characterize the role of deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs) in regulating the destruction of neurodegeneration-associated proteins by the proteasome and exploring its therapeutic potential in cellular models for neurodegeneration. You will use advanced microscopy, flow cytometry and biochemical analysis to study with the help of in-house developed cell-based assays the role of DUBs in protein quality control. You will present the findings of your studies in scientific publications and at international meetings and conferences. In addition to the experimental work for this project, you will participate in group meetings, journal clubs, seminars and other research-related activities.

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 enthusiastic and motivated candidates with a strong background in cell biology. Candidates should preferably have experience with cell culturing and various fluorescent techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry, and be skilled in methods in basic molecular biology and biochemistry. Theoretically and practical knowledge of protein quality control and protein degradation are important for this doctoral project. Candidates must have a broad expertise in standard molecular biology and biochemical methods. Experience with analysis of intracellular protein degradation, in particular the ubiquitin-proteasome system will be a strength. Other previous research experience on related topics is beneficial. Excellent spoken and written English language, good communication skills, and ability to work in a team are required.

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.

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