Doctoral (PhD) student position in Translational research in cell-based therapies for retinal degenerations

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 Clinical Neuroscience (CNS) and the retina research group of Anders Kvanta offers an exciting opportunity for a PhD Student in the field of regenerative ophthalmology. The overall goal of the Retina research group is to develop clinically relevant strategies for blinding diseases focusing on cell and gene therapy-based approaches.

The Retina group is situated at St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, and the doctoral student will have the opportunity to interact and work in an international environment with multidisciplinary basic research scientists, clinicians, and research clinicians. The PhD student will be co-supervised by Principal Researcher Fredrik Lanner, expert in stem cell biology, Research Specialist Filippo Locri, expert in animal models of retinal degenerations and Assistant Professor James Tribble, expert in retinal inflammation and high-resolution microscopy.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Inherited retinal degenerations (IRD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are neurodegenerative diseases that cause irreversible vision loss. IRDs encompass a diverse group of inherited disorders resulting from mutations in more than 300 genes. These mutations cause the progressive degeneration and loss of photoreceptors (PhR) in the retina. Current therapeutic options for both IRDs and AMD are limited. Although gene therapy can be successfully employed in restoring the genetic defect in select IRDs, the extensive genetic heterogeneity of IRDs poses challenges for its widespread application. This limitation is appreciable also for AMD, in which there is no single genetic mutation to be targeted. Consequently, there is an unmet clinical need for gene-agnostic therapies that can restore vision irrespective of the underlying genetic cause. PhR transplantation has emerged as a potential therapeutical approach to address this unmet clinical need. In this project, the student will evaluate the integration, maturation, and functional efficacy of PhR precursors derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in animal models of IRDs.

By exploring different transplantation strategies in different animal models of IRDs, the student will assess and optimize the transplantation strategy to pursue as well as establish relevant techniques for outcome assessment. The student will learn advanced in vivo and ex vivo imaging and electrophysiological methodologies. Furthermore, the student will deepen their knowledge of stem cell biology, high resolution microscopy, statistics and general wet lab skills.

With mentorship from the supervisors and lab member, the student will be the lead scientist and will establish a reproducible translational pipeline and research methodology with which to explore regenerative ophthalmology research themes and provide a resource that will be of positive benefit to the community and their own future research career.

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 candidate with enthusiasm and motivation for translational neuroscience. The successful candidate must meet the KI requirements for doctoral education, with a strong background in biomedical science, physiology, or cellular biology with relevant wet-lab experience. Particularly meritorious is possessing documented knowledge specific to this project e.g. ophthalmology, neuroscience, stem cell biology. Specifically, previous practical experience in electrophysiology and some experience in rodent minor surgery are considered particular merits. The project is possible through multidisciplinary teamwork, we are looking for a candidate who appreciates the value of and want to work in a close team environment. We place great emphasis 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.

Read more about the Department of Clinical Neuorscience
Read more about the research group you will be a part of

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