Doctoral (PhD) student position in Translation Regulation and Proteostasis

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 Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at Karolinska Institutet conducts research and teaching within immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. MTC has about 40 research groups and our key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, national and international collaborations.

Our laboratory is located at the Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab, http://www.scilifelab.se/) in the Karolinska Institute campus. SciLifeLab is equiped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and core facilities, and is home to one of the largest sequencing cluster in Europe.

The research group

Our group combines experimental and computational work, and aims to develop and apply novel genome-wide techniques to address fundamental biological questions with medical implications. We are especially interested in how subtle variations in gene expression can lead to differential cellular phenotypes and are passionate about RNA biology (http://pelechanolab.com/). You will have the opportunity to work in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment and combine the development of state-of-the art genome-wide approaches with the molecular dissection of fundamental biological problems.

Are you interested in the crosstalk between metabolism and gene expression? Would you like to combine cutting-edge omic approaches with the fundamental understanding of gene expression? Come and join us at SciLifeLab!

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The available PhD position aims to dissect how nutrient availability modulates ribosome dynamics and proteostasis. To achieve that goal the student will use advanced genomic, proteomic, cellular, and computational methods in yeast and human cell line models. In addition, the student will also contribute to the development of novel genomic approaches. The candidate will perform original research in genomics, and acquire the required experimental and computational skills necessary for the completion of the project. The successful candidate will take a strong lead in the experimental design, and collaborate with other team members. The candidate is expected to communicate the scientific results by writing up scientific papers and attending scientific meetings.

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 applicant should be a positive, flexible person with good communication skills and abilities to collaborate and work in a highly dynamic international research team. The candidate needs to be able to work both in a team as well as independently. The successful applicant should  have good knowledge and experience of techniques within cell and molecular biology (molecular cloning, reporter design, method optimization…) and genomics. A strong interest in interdisciplinary technology development, and novel and creative thinking abilities are essential. Preferred experience also includes familiarity with RNA biology, ribosome dynamics and cancer biology. Candidate should have good skills in the English language in both writing and speaking.  The ideal candidate should be able to work in in close collaboration with our academic and industrial collaborators. At that respect, interpersonal skills will be highly valued.

In addition to the aforementioned requirements for the position:

• Analytical thinking and the ability to independently plan and conduct research
• Good practical skills in molecular biology, cell biology, or related fields
• Experience on NGS method development 
• Experience working with S. cerevisiae and cancer cell line models
• A strong interest in interdisciplinary research and technology development

Meritorious for the position:

• Experience with experimental and/or computational methods relevant to gene expression, translation, or proteostasis.
• Experience in cancer organoid models.
• Experience on CRISPR technologies
• Experience in flow cytometry and cell sorting approaches

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/mtc/vicente-pelechano-group

https://pelechanolab.com

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all