Doctoral (PhD) student position in Tumor 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

We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious person for exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating the tumor microenvironment in childhood brain tumors. The position is placed in Margareta Wilhelm’s research group at The Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum at Karolinska Institutet, in a strong medical research environment with extensive possibilities for interaction and support. MTC conducts research and teaching within immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. MTC have about 40 research groups and our key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, national and international collaborations.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Specifically, the student will work on a project aimed at understanding the development of medulloblastoma, with a focus on the crosstalk between myeloid cells and cells that initiate the cerebellar tumor formation. The project involves advanced stem cell culturing techniques, cerebellar organoid and in vivo modelling, high-content imaging, and statistical and bioinformatics analyses of sequencing and patient data. The candidate is expected to work within the general framework of the research project but is encouraged to contribute with ideas and suggestions for experiments.

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 enthusiastic individual with a strong interest in tumor biology and neuro-oncology. The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, able to work productively both independently and in a team setting and contribute positively to the laboratory’s social environment. The candidate will be expected to actively participate in both the practical and theoretical aspects of the project and should have excellent communication and organizational skills.

In addition to the aforementioned requirements for the position:

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biomedicine, molecular medicine, or another relevant life science field.
• Strong laboratory skills in molecular biology and cell culture are required.

Meritorius for the position:

• Previous research experience, as well as knowledge of human stem cell culture techniques, animal models, advanced microscopy techniques, and neuro-oncology, will be considered an asset.

Special consideration will be given to personal suitability.

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/mtc

https://ki.se/en/mtc/wilhelm-lab

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