Doctoral (PhD) student position in metabolic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease - 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

The Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS) and the research team of Pete Williams offers an exciting opportunity for a PhD Student in the field of translational neurobiology. The overall goal of the Pete Williams Lab is to develop clinically translational neuroprotective strategies for neurodegenerative disease focusing on neuronal metabolic and mitochondrial health.

The Pete Williams Lab is situated at St Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, and the doctoral student will have the chance to interact and work in an international environment with multidisciplinary basic research scientists, clinicians, and research clinicians. The student will be co-supervised by Assistant Professor James Tribble; an expert on animal models of neurodegeneration, Associate Professor Peter Swoboda; an expert in C. elegans neurobiology, and Assistant Professor Luana Naia; a metabolism expert.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Metabolic dysfunction due to genetic impairment or increasing age has emerged as a shared mechanism that underlies neuronal vulnerability in neurodegenerative diseases. A ‘metabolic dysfunction hypothesis’ is being increasingly recognized as causative in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (AD, PD). The mechanisms by which metabolic dysfunction influence neuronal metabolism and lead to neurodegeneration have yet to be fully established.

The doctoral student will investigate metabolic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease using the model organism C. elegans. The doctoral student will also use modern –omics technologies (metabolomics and lipidomics), live and super-resolution imaging, and genetic and pharmacological manipulation of metabolic pathways to develop new treatments for AD and PD.

The doctoral student will be the lead scientist in these projects with close supervision and training by the supervisors and members of their labs. The studies outlined will allow the student to advance their basic molecular biology knowledge to more modern and complex genetic manipulation and testing. The Williams lab is expert in identifying neurodegenerative processes and utilizing –omics analysis, and the Swoboda lab is expert in manipulating mitochondrial and neuronal pathways in C. elegans. Furthermore, this is an ideal opportunity for the doctoral student to work with larger datasets and gain practical transferable skills (e.g. statistics, R programming) to help in their transition to independence and future job prospects.

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 an ambitious candidate with enthusiasm for translational neurobiology. The successful candidate must meet the KI requirements for doctoral education, with a strong background in biomedical science, chemistry, neurobiology, computer science, or pharmacology, with relevant wet-lab experience.

Additional wet-lab knowledge specific to this project would be highly advantageous. Specifically, previous practical experience with C. elegans maintenance and use, molecular biology techniques, mitochondria/metabolism techniques and assays, computational biology/neuroscience, and/or drug testing are considerable substantial merits. We also attach great importance 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.

Read more about Pete Williams Lab

Read more about the research group you will be a part of

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