PhD position in biodistribution and transport over the blood brain barrier of a biological drug candidate.

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 research group and its close environment have seven PhD students and >15 researchers with backgrounds spanning from biophysics to clinical pharmacology. The student will have access to broad and active preclinical and translational environments at Karolinska Institutet, departments of Medicine Huddinge and Laboratory Medicine.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We have discovered that the BRICHOS domain acts as a molecular chaperone against neurotoxic amyloid aggregates. Recombinant human BRICHOS can access the brain parenchyma from the bloodstream and reduce Alzheimer’s disease (AD) related pathology in mice. The BRICHOS domain thus stands out for its therapeutic potential in AD. BRICHOS can also transport cargo proteins into the brain from the bloodstream, both in vitro  and in mice.

In this PhD project we will perform (i) an in vivo pharmacokinetic and biodistribution study of BRICHOS in mice and (ii) study the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which BRICHOS reaches the brain parenchyma .

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 is required to have: 

•  Good knowledge about protein biology and cellular mechanisms (uptake,  trafficking,  receptor interactions)
• Experience working with quantitative data (statistical analysis and data interpretation)
•  Excellent ability to speak, read and write in English.
• Documented experience with in vitro experimental work
• The project is collaborative and multidisciplinary. A successful candidate is expected to have a strong interest in experimental biomedical research and to be creative and independent.

The following qualifications are desirable:

• Experience with rodent models, including mouse handling, basic experimental procedures, tissue collection and ethical regulations related to animal research.
•  Experience with protein production, purification or characterization
• Basic understanding in drug disposition and pharmacokinetic aspects of drug treatment
• Be familiar with brain anatomy

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.

Links: 
Laboratory for bioinspired protein drugs and technologies
https://ki.se/en/medh

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