Doctoral (PhD) Student Position in Translational Neuropharmacology - 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 Svenningsson lab is a translational and multidisciplinary research group studying movement disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease. We use cellular and animal models together with novel molecular imaging techniques to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases. Our goals are to identify novel biomarkers and medically relevant therapeutic targets. At the clinic, we conduct longitudinal studies on cohorts of patients with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, assessing both motor and non-motor symptoms. We also perform clinical trials with novel pharmacological therapies. 

We also work together with other departments and institutions, which provide additional expertise of in vitro methods and advanced imaging techniques. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work in a stimulating and collaborative environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We are looking for a highly motivated doctoral student who is interested in studying molecular mechanisms and behavioral correlates associated with Parkinson’s disease. The project involves utilizing sophisticated mouse models and state-of-the-art spatial multi-omics techniques, including lipidomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, to comprehensively map the molecular landscape of Parkinson’s Disease. The focus will be on understanding the progression of alpha-synuclein pathology and identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

You will gain experience in molecular biology, functional genomics, pharmacology, behavioral neuroscience, and bioinformatics. You are expected to play a leading role in experimental design, execution of experiments, data analysis, writing research findings, and presenting and publishing results. You will also collaborate with local and international laboratories to learn and adapt new techniques.

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 applicant should hold a M.S. degree in a neuroscience- or pharmacology-related field with experience in one or more of the following areas: neurobiology, molecular biology, pharmacology, clinical/translational neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience.

Requirement:

• Fluency in English (spoken and written)

Meritorious

• Significant experience working with laboratory rodents (FELASA-certified knowledge and skills).
• Practical experience with animal models of Parkinson’s disease.
• Experience of relevant histological methodologies, including autoradiography and immunohistochemistry.
• Strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of statistics.
• High level of self-motivation and independence.
• Ability to work well in a team.

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

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