PhD student position in toxicology with focus on particles

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

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 Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM) is a department at Karolinska Institutet that conducts cutting-edge research in the disciplines of environmental and occupational medicine, toxicology, physiology, and epidemiology. We are looking for a motivated doctoral student to be part of our collaborative research group with a focus on particle toxicology at the Unit of Biochemical Toxicology. Our unit's research includes various exposures and diseases, focusing on mechanisms and the development and improvement of risk assessment methodologies. As part of our team, you will engage in various stimulating projects centered on health effects and mechanisms related to particles.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

This doctoral project aims to investigate effects associated with workplace exposure to metal-based particles, with a particular focus on welding particles and their inflammatory and immune-suppressive effects. The project also aims to establish correlations between in vitro and in vivo studies to better understand the health risks posed by these particles. The primary responsibilities of the doctoral student will include culturing various cell types, exposing them to different particles, and conducting toxicity tests using a range of methods, such as cytokine multiplexing and RNA sequencing. The project also involves modeling particle deposition and retention in the lung. Additionally, the doctoral student will perform statistical analyses, write manuscripts, collaborate with scientists from diverse fields, and participate in meetings and discussions with collaborators. The doctoral student is expected to participate in joint activities at the department, to contribute to teaching in the master’s program in toxicology and to participate in doctoral courses and other learning 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

The doctoral candidate should have completed at least one year of studies at the master’s level in toxicology or similar discipline relevant for the doctoral project. Knowledge within cell biology, chemistry and toxicology is required as well as practical skills involving cell culture techniques and toxicity testing. Previous work with (nano)particles and toxicity testing can be meritorious.

Doctoral studies entail working with independence toward long-term goals. The candidate therefore needs to be highly motivated, work in a structured manner and take own initiatives. The candidate should be able to work well within a team with scientists from different disciplines, have good cooperation and communication skills and shall communicate well in English, both orally and in writing.

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.

Your application should contain the following documents:

- A personal letter and a curriculum vitae (Swedish or English)
- Degree projects and previous publications, if any (Swedish or English)
- Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above (Swedish or English)
- 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.

Particle toxicology – Hanna Karlsson's group | Karolinska Institutet

Hanna Karlsson | Karolinska Institutet 

Institute of Environmental Medicine

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