Doctoral (PhD) Student Position in Targeting Neuroinflammation for Neuroprotection in Glaucoma - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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 Glaucoma research group offers an exciting opportunity for a PhD Student in the field of translational neurobiology. Assistant Professor James Tribble aims to identify clinically targetable mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease, focusing on neuroinflammation and metabolism. Glaucoma, one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases and a leading cause of irreversible blindness, is a particular focus of the lab.

The James Tribble Lab operates within the Pete Williams Glaucoma Group situated at St Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm. The student will be co-supervised by Associate Professor Pete Williams, a leader in neurodegenerative disease focusing on neuronal metabolic and mitochondrial health. Head of Division Professor Rune Brautaset will also co-supervise the student, and is an expert in ophthalmic imaging in neurodegenerative disease and sits on the Board of Education. The doctoral student will have the chance to interact and work in an international environment with multidisciplinary basic research scientists, clinicians, and research clinicians.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Neuroinflammation is a critical and potentially treatable component of many common neurodegenerative diseases, including glaucoma. The Williams Glaucoma Group and others have demonstrated pro-inflammatory activation of resident glia, peripheral immune recruitment, and neurotoxic responses in animal models and human glaucoma. We have identified Galectin-3 as one such factor that exacerbates inflammatory responses in disease, which is an excellent candidate to target in glaucoma. Emerging evidence from the Williams Glaucoma Group has also identified early dysregulation of metabolic pathways in the retina. Given that glia also support retinal neurons through uptake, storage and shuttling of energy sources, determining how neuroinflammation may affect metabolism may uncover novel mechanisms and therapeutic targets for glaucoma.

The aim of the doctoral project is to:

1) Define the spatio-temporal expression of Galectin-3 in models of glaucoma,

2) Determine the effects of modulating Galectin-3 on neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration,

3) Determine how neuro-glial metabolic interactions change under neuroinflammation,

4) Identify and test novel targets to interrupt neuroinflammation and metabolic dysfunction.

This project combines targeted hypothesis driven experiments with exploratory, untargeted multi-omics techniques. This will allow the student to advance through basic molecular biology to more modern and complex techniques with scope for independent discovery. To achieve this the student will use high resolution microscopy, gene and protein assays, flow cytometry, and metabolomic and transcriptomics tools. The doctoral student will be the lead scientist in these projects with close supervision and training by the supervisors and members of their labs. Main supervisor James Tribble and co-supervisor Pete Williams are experts in rodent ophthalmic models and have a strong history of high impact work using molecular biology techniques, gene therapy, and –omics data generation. This project is also an ideal opportunity for the doctoral student to gain practical transferable skills (e.g. statistics, R programming) to help in their transition to independence and future job prospects.

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 an ambitious candidate with enthusiasm for translational neurobiology. The successful candidate must meet the KI requirements for doctoral education, with a strong background in biomedical science, neurobiology, immunology, or optometry with relevant wet-lab experience.

Additional wet-lab knowledge specific to this project would be highly advantageous. Specifically, previous practical experience with molecular biology techniques, primary/continuous cell or organ culture, minor surgery in rodents, and/or bioinformatics are considerable substantial merits. 

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 research group:
https://petewilliamslab.com/
https://staff.ki.se/people/james-tribble

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