Doctoral (PhD) student position in cluster headache pathophysiology - 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 Neuroscience includes several research groups working on different aspects of nervous system function, both under normal conditions and in various disease states. Research projects include a broad range of studies on the molecular and cellular levels, networks of neurons, and the organization of the nervous system as a whole. The areas of research in the research group of Associate Professor Andrea Carmine Belin are neurological disorders with a focus on the primary headache disorder cluster headache. The research group belongs to the Centre for Cluster Headache with the aim to understand the molecular mechanisms behind cluster headache, as well as to identify new targets for diagnosis and treatment.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The main aim with the project is to characterize and model molecular mechanisms involved in cluster headache by an integrative and interdisciplinary approach with focus on genetics, sex differences and inflammation. The candidate will be responsible for recruiting, collecting and managing biological samples and clinical data from study participants with cluster headache and controls. The candidate will use molecular biology tools such as qPCR, Western blot and ELISA to elucidate biological pathways which are believed to be involved in the pathophysiology of primary headache disorders with a focus on cluster headache. One duty will be to develop a cell model for cluster headache based on inflammation using blood-derived microglia-like cells and characterize cells from patients and controls and test treatments effects.

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 candidate needs knowledge concerning the use of molecular biology tools to elucidate biological pathways which are believed to be involved in cluster headache pathophysiology. Practice in working with immunohistochemistry and fluorescent microscopy is an appreciated property of the applicant as well as of working with molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, western and ELISA, Previous experience of using statistical programs such as R and bioinformatic tools for genetic analysis is a requirement. The candidate should have documented experience of cell culture work and be capable of working independently in a cell lab. The candidate needs previous practice in working on biological tissue from both human and rodents. We’re looking for a candidate who is well organized and meticulous in his/her work and able to take own initiatives. It is important that the candidate fits in the team and emphasis will be placed on personal suitability. A person is eligible for this position if he or she has achieved a Master Degree competence or equivalent.

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.

Genetic and molecular basis of nervous system disorders – Andrea Carmine Belin group | Karolinska Institutet

Centre for Cluster Headache | Karolinska Institutet

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