Doctoral (PhD) student position in reproductive toxicology in vitro

Do you want to contribute to better health for all?

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

This doctoral position is located in the research group of Professor Pauliina Damdimopoulou at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health (KBH). KBH conducts internationally leading translational research in women’s and children’s health, with studies ranging from preclinical to clinical phases in close collaboration with Karolinska University Hospital. With 40 research groups, KBH integrates multiple disciplines to address complex health challenges, such as reproductive toxicity. The research groups are based at Campus Solna in Biomedicum, where state-of-the-art infrastructure provides a stimulating and dynamic research environment.

Chemicals and female fertility – Pauliina Damdimopoulou Research Group

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral project aims to develop predictive high-throughput methods for assessing female reproductive toxicity, based on ovarian and endometrial cells, as well as to establish a comprehensive and curated database of reproductive toxicity data for environmental chemicals. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers in precision medicine, high-throughput analysis, and computational chemistry at SciLifeLab.

The project combines ovarian and endometrial biology, high-content imaging, high-throughput screening, and computational chemistry to create a unique open-access information resource on chemical impacts on female reproductive health.

Your duties will include:

·        Data collection from public databases, scientific literature, and other relevant sources

·        2D and 3D cell culture, tissue culture, and stem cell culture

·        Development of high-content imaging platforms

·        High-throughput screening for chemical toxicity

·        Development and curation of a reproductive toxicity database

You will collaborate with researchers both in Sweden and internationally, and participate in meetings and other events to disseminate project results. The role also includes administrative tasks such as careful research documentation, and active participation in shared laboratory responsibilities within the research group.

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 and goal-oriented student with documented experience in the following areas:

·        Culture of human cells, embryonic stem cells and/or tissues

·        Molecular biology techniques, including microscopy and image analysis

·        Evaluation of chemical toxicity and/or molecular mechanisms

Experience in the following areas is considered an asset:

·        Female reproductive biology

·        High-throughput screening

·        High-content imaging

·        Computational chemistry

The research environment is international, and the project is conducted in close collaboration with other research groups and clinical partners. Therefore, excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken) and strong interpersonal skills are essential. The role also requires careful documentation, and we are seeking a candidate with a structured, detail-oriented, and self-driven working style.

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.

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