Doctoral (PhD) student position in genetics in allergy and asthma

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

With the long-term goal of developing a prognostic molecular tool for clinical use, we utilize molecular methods in combination with well-characterized longitudinal clinical cohorts and epidemiological studies to increase the understanding of asthma and allergies. Our research group 'Genetic and Epigenetic Factors in Asthma and Allergy' belongs to the unit for clinical pediatrics that focuses on pediatric immunology, infection, and inflammation at the Department of Women's and Children's Health at Karolinska Institute. We have a close collaboration with Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital. The laboratory is located in the new research building BioMedicum at Karolinska Institutet, where we share facilities with other research groups from the same department.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We are looking for a highly motivated and goal-oriented individual to join our research team focused on asthma and allergy. The position involves integrating clinical data with molecular and genetic datasets to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this field.

As a doctoral student in this project, your main responsibilities will include planning, designing, and conducting various types of studies. A key component of the work involves research in population-based studies, where the ability to manage and interpret large datasets is essential. You will perform statistical analyses on diverse data types.

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 a highly motivated and goal-oriented individual to join our research team. Applicants should hold a masters degree (or equivalent) in Biomedicine, Public health sciences, Biostatistics and data science or another relevant related field.

Experience with statistical software such as R, SPSS, or STATA is required. The ideal candidate is experienced in independently performing statistical analyses across various data types. The position requires a high level of personal responsibility and includes tasks such as data quality control, statistical analysis, result compilation, and detailed planning of subprojects within the ongoing research. The role demands a meticulous and structured approach to work. Prior knowledge and hands-on experience in data analysis and interpretation within the areas of genetics, risk factors and clinical data are highly advantageous.

Proficiency in oral and written English is required. The candidate should be capable of working independently while also engaging and communicating effectively with other team members in a translational research environment.

Applicants will be evaluated based on education and previous experience, relevance to the position, motivation, problem-solving ability, and collaborative skills. Particular emphasis will be placed on 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.

https://ki.se/en/kbh

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