1-2 PhD students in gene regulation of oxygen homeostasis.

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 department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics (MBB) is seeking doctoral students to join Bjørt K. Kragesteen’s Research Group to illuminate the molecular logic of oxygen homeostasis that is central to human health. The Kragesteen group applies single-cell and spatial multi-omics and genome editing to mouse hypoxia models and human kidney organoid models to map and manipulate O2-sensing circuitry with a focus on erythropoiesis regulation. We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic doctoral students to lead projects using either human kidney organoids or mouse hypoxia models.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Oxygen homeostasis is essential for human survival, yet how it is sensed, regulated, and encoded at the genomic level across cell types is unclear. Central to this system are the Norn cells—a rare, fibroblast-like kidney cells that we previously discovered and molecularly defined as the exclusive source of erythropoietin (EPO), the hormone that controls erythropoiesis and thereby systemic oxygen supply. However, the gene regulatory mechanisms governing Norn cell function and consequently oxygen homeostasis remain unexplored because the cells are scarce, hard to access, and human model systems are lacking.

The doctoral projects will be focused on investigating the gene regulatory principles of erythropoiesis regulation using mouse hypoxia models or developing induced pluripotent stem cell derived kidney organoid models using state-of-the-art methods including single-cell omics, transcription factor reprogramming, and CRISPR-Cas9 editing in vitro and in vivo. In depth knowledge of molecular and cell biology, erythropoiesis regulation, and hypoxia models systems will be attained.

The successful candidate will take part in all research-related activities such as group meetings, unit seminars, departmental seminars, national/international meetings, as well as standard laboratory routines of the group. Finally, the doctoral student will work to achieve the course requirements of the doctoral program as outlined in the relevant rules and documentation available at the ki.se website.

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 seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate with a background in cell and molecular biology and hypoxia physiology. The applicant shall have documented experience with one or several of the following disciplines, cell and molecular biology, gene regulation, single cell omics, as well as hypoxia mouse models or human induced pluripotent stem cell derived organoid models. The ideal candidate will be self-motivating, curiosity-driven, and creative and shall pride themselves on excellent experimental planning and execution. All candidates must be able to fluently communicate in written and spoken English as well as demonstrate good teamwork skills. The applicant must be able to integrate well into the international and multidisciplinary environment. Personal suitability is therefore of great importance.

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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