PhD position in toxicology with a focus on endocrine disruptors

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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 Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM) is a department at Karolinska Institutet and an interdisciplinary research institute. IMM conducts advanced research and education in environmental and occupational medicine, toxicology, physiology, epidemiology and biostatistics with a focus on clarifying how environmental and lifestyle factors affect human health. IMM is also a national expert body in environmental medicine and IMM's researchers are scientific advisors to authorities and other decision-makers and participate in national and international expert groups.

The doctoral position will be hosted at the Unit of Biochemical Toxicology at IMM. The research at the unit aims at understanding the connection between exposure to chemicals and complex negative health effects, such as cancer and effects caused by endocrine disruption. Our research activities focus mainly on elucidating mechanisms of toxicity and developing risk assessment methodology.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

This doctoral project is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network for Cross-disciplinary assessment of Endocrine Disrupting compounds (NeXED), funded by the European Union. Please note that you must submit an application both via the Varbi system and via the NeXED platform (see “Application Process” below).

The aim of this doctoral project is to explore a mechanism-based approach for identifying and assessing chemicals that may act as endocrine disruptors in humans. The project will be anchored in Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) methodology, which will be used as a framework to organize and integrate different types of data (in silico, in vitro, in vivo and human) and to establish links between early mechanistic events and apical health effects. The project will specifically explore the use of mechanistic data from the Zebrafish model, such as transcriptomics data, in the assessment of endocrine disruptors for human health, including considerations of cross-species extrapolations. As such, the project includes elements of experimental and computational work, as well as literature-based analyses. Application in the regulatory context is an important aspect.

The doctoral student will contribute to the development and evaluation of relevant AOPs and AOP networks. The student will be involved in laboratory work using the Zebrafish model, as well as collecting, organizing, evaluating and interpreting existing toxicological data. The student will be expected to write project reports on a regular basis and publish high-quality research results related to the research project in international conference proceedings and peer-reviewed scientific journals, as well as to discuss the research and results with the scientific community, policymakers and with different groups in society. The student will participate actively in the NeXED training programme and in doctoral courses and other learning activities at Karolinska Institutet and is expected to engage in a limited number of teaching activities at IMM.

Two research stays at other NeXED partners are planned during the project. One interdisciplinary secondment (2 months) at the Department of Biology at the University of Southern Denmark and one intersectoral secondment (2 months) at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in the Netherlands. 

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.

In addition, candidates must comply with Horizon Europe MSCA eligibility criteria as described on the NeXED website. 

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 doctoral candidate should have completed at least one year of studies at the master’s level in toxicology or similar discipline relevant for the doctoral project. Basic understanding of in vitro and in vivo toxicity test methods, health risk assessment of chemicals, endocrine disruption and AOP methodology is required.

Further, it is desired that the candidate has practical experience with evaluating and interpreting different types of data (human, animal in vivo, vitro and in silico) and basic understanding of weight of evidence assessment. It is also desired that the candidate has practical experience with developing or applying AOPs, as well as practical experience from working with in vitro methods.  It is also desired that the candidate has basic knowledge of European chemicals regulation.

Doctoral studies entail working with independence toward long-term goals. The candidate therefore needs to be highly motivated, organized and thorough and able to take own initiatives. The candidate should be able to work well within a team, have good cooperation and communication skills and should communicate well in English, both orally and in writing.

Terms and conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

Application process

You must submit your application both through the Varbi recruitment system and through the NeXED job application platform here: https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/projects/nexed/jobopenings/apply/   

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.

Institute of Environmental Medicine | Karolinska Institutet

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