Doctoral (PhD) student position in adipocyte systems biology

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 Rydén and Mejhert Laboratory investigates how alterations in human white adipocyte function contribute to cardiometabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis. Our multidisciplinary team of postdoctoral fellows, PhD and master’s students, and technical staff conducts cutting-edge translational research. We are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a comprehensive preclinical laboratory at KI Campus (Biomedicum) and a dedicated clinical research unit at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, enabling integration from basic science to clinical application.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious PhD student to join our laboratory. The doctoral project will focus on understanding how hormonal signals reshape the spatial organization of proteins in human adipocytes and how these changes regulate lipid metabolism. Using human adipocyte models, the student will first generate global maps of hormone-induced protein translocation by combining subcellular fractionation with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Building on these datasets, specific proteins will be perturbed by either Cas9-mediated gene knockout or by tethering them away from their normal sites of action, and the consequences for adipocyte function will be systematically assessed. Readouts will include hormone-stimulated processes such as metabolic flux readouts and analyses of signaling pathways. In this way, the project integrates discovery-based proteomics with mechanistic experiments to directly link protein localization dynamics to cellular metabolism. The student will receive broad training in cell culture, genome engineering, live-cell imaging, biochemical assays, proteomics, and computational data analysis, and will work closely with colleagues at Helmholtz Zentrum München.

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 successful candidate should have a strong background in molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline, and previous laboratory research experience is expected. An interest in developing and applying methods such as genome editing, live-cell imaging, and/or biochemical assays will be valuable, as the project involves perturbing protein localization in human adipocytes and assessing downstream effects on hormone signaling and metabolism. The candidate should be motivated to link experimental interventions with functional readouts, including insulin action and lipid metabolism. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are important, and previous experience or interest in coding (for example in R or Python) would be a clear advantage since the project involves handling and interpreting proteomics and imaging datasets. We are looking for someone who can work independently while also thriving in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. Good communication skills, a proactive attitude, and enthusiasm for translational and interdisciplinary research are essential. Previous experience with techniques such as proteomics, metabolic assays, or signal transduction studies would be advantageous but is not required.

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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