Doctoral (PhD) position: Exploring the role of cell size on aging of human hematopoietic stem cells - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Are you interested in how human stem cells contribute to aging and disease?

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 failure to regenerate tissue with age is a major health issue. A contributor to this decline is the loss of stem cell function. Despite the essential role of stem cells, it is still unclear how they fail to maintain their functions during aging and disease. We discovered a new aspect of stem cell aging in vivo: cellular enlargement. With age and damage, stem cells increase in size causing their functional decline. However, we are only beginning to understand how size impacts stem cell fitness and the physiological importance of this process remains unsolved.

We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious individual from universities around the world to join the research team of Assistant Professor Dr. Jette Lengefeld as a PhD Researcher to mechanistically understand novel mechanisms of human stem cells that drive aging and disease. The Lengefeld research group uses hematopoietic stem cells from mice and human bone marrow donations to discover how deregulation of cellular size is connected to aging and cancer.

We are located in a modern research hub called NEO at Karolinska Institutet in Huddinge. You will be working in an international and interdisciplinary research environment, where collaborative efforts are encouraged. We always aim for an open and welcoming environment. Together with other research groups, we offer state-of-the art core facilities providing cell sorting techniques, microscopy, sequencing, mouse facilities, and provide access to clinical samples. This position will be supported by the prestigious Swedish Research Council Starting Grant. 

Lab Webpage: https://staff.ki.se/people/jette-lengefeld

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Your project will utilize hematopoietic stem cells from elderly or patients with leukemia to identify factors that facilitate stem cell aging and leukemia by single sequencing, creating xenotransplants using “humanized” mice and in vitro systems to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

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

Required skills:

• Excellent knowledge in English, written and spoken
• Experience in experimental biology for at least 4 months
• Good understanding of molecular biology and genetics

Desirable skills:

• A research background in experimental stem cell biology, hematology, sequencing, cell culture and experience working with mice
• Good knowledge of hematopoiesis
• Hands-on experience with cell culture, cell sorting, and advanced flow cytometry
• An attitude to drive own research and work in an intra and inter team fashion
• Soft skills in teamwork, research communication and presentation
• A competence to think logically in biological terms, as demonstrated in research publications
• Expertise in R and foundations of statistics

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.

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