Doctoral (PhD) student position in B cell biology in rheumatic disease

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.

Department of medicin Solna, Division of Rheumatology

The Department of Medicine, Solna, is one of the largest departments at Karolinska Institutet. The department consists of several divisions that are separated into different research groups (https://ki.se/en/meds/department-of-medicine-solna). The main activities of the department are research, doctoral education and undergraduate education for medical and biomedical students. The research has three main profiles: allergy, cardiovascular medicine and inflammatory diseases.

The research group

The studies will be performed in the group of Prof. Ingrid Lundberg  under the supervision of Assis. Prof. Begum Horuluoglu and team of Assoc. Prof. Caroline Grönwall  in the Division of Rheumatology.

We are using single cell biology technologies as well as antibody engineering, high dimensional flow cytometry and functional assays to understand molecular mechanisms of various autoimmune diseases. The candidate will be performing cutting edge translational research on rare human samples and will be collaborating with the rheumatology clinic at Karolinska Hospital. This project is supported by the Heart and Lung Foundation and Swedish Research Council.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The overall goal of this project is to understand the function of autoantibodies and B cells in autoimmune diseases, in particular in myositis. The student will study the targets of the autoantibodies by taking advantage of molecular and bioinformatic approaches. The student will collect and handle human samples including muscle and skin biopsies, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and peripheral blood. The project involves lab work such as cell culture, antibody engineering, multi-parameter flow cytometry, state of the art in situ hybridization, bioinformatic analysis and working with animal models.

The student will interact with clinicians at the rheumatology clinic and international collaborators. The student is expected to plan experiments (with supervision), write reports (electronic lab book) and present data at group meetings and conferences. The student will work on independent projects but will also have the possibility to collaborate with other group members.

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 student with a background in molecular biology who is passionate about pursuing translational research. A strong interest and experience in immunology, autoimmunity and protein analysis is preferential. As a doctoral student, the candidate is expected to be able to design and perform experiments in a rigorous and transparent manner. The student will also participate in courses, seminars and conferences to report and present results. The student should have a critical and creative mind as well as a solving-problem attitude. Since the project involves several collaborators, the student should have the capacity to interact with team members with different backgrounds. Previous basic experience in bioinformatic (Phyton or R ), antibody engineering, B cell biology and/or immunological laboratory methods is beneficial. Willingness to learn new technologies will be strongly supported. Strong communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English are a necessity.

Terms and conditions

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

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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.

Location

The position is located within the Department of Medicine, Solna. The department consists of eleven divisions and each division consists of several research groups. The position is located within the research group  of Prof. Ingrid Lundberg at the Center for Molecular Medicine https://ki.se/en/people/ingrid-lundberg

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