Doctoral (PhD) student position in translational studies on cholesterol metabolism and sex-differences in neurodegeneration - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

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 doctoral student will be working in the research group led by Angel Cedazo-Minguez and Silvia Maioli, belonging to the Division of Neurogeriatrics at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS). NVS conducts world leading research in aging, dementia, epidemiology and care sciences. This research extends from basic molecular and cell levels to clinical research and societal studies. NVS educates almost a third of KI students at basic and advanced levels.

Cedazo-Minguez/Maioli group currently consists of 6 people, professor, doctoral students and assistant professors with different backgrounds, educationally as well as culturally. Our group is based into the new research building BioClinicum in Solna. Bioclinicum is connected to the hospital and the Karolinska Institute's new research house Biomedicum as well as the new Comparative Medicine-Biomedicum animal facility. The focus of the research group is on understanding mechanisms behind risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The overall aim of the doctoral education project is to bring new mechanistic knowledge on the role of CYP46A1 in neurodegenerative processes and establish whether cholesterol turnover is a viable ‘druggable axis’ for diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease. This PhD program takes sex and gender perspective in strong account. The doctoral student will study brain cholesterol metabolism and sex-hormones signalling in male and female mice and in relation to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. The PhD student will be performing mouse behavioural studies and molecular studies in the brain. This study plan includes a part on biomarker analyses in blood and cerebrospinal fluid from Alzheimer’s Disease patients. The project plan includes a good variety of methods including a wide spectra of mouse behavioral tests and neurosurgery and advanced molecular techniques. The translational nature of the project offers the student an advanced knowledge in neurobiology, a state of art knowledge in Alzheimer’s Disease, from mechanisms to clinical features and treatment possibilities.

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 seeking a highly talented and enthusiastic doctoral candidate. The successful candidate should be self-motivated and able to keep herself/himself informed on developments of the relevant research field, and also, have excellent communication skills in English (both written and spoken), organizational skills, and the ability to work productively and dynamically in a team. The candidate must be able to integrate well in the group and have a desire to work closely in a team.

An educational background in neuroscience is desirable. It is meritorious if the applicant has some experience in a biomedical lab and knowledge in the field of neurodegeneration. Good expertise in molecular biology and techniques such as western blot, ELISA and PCR is required. Additionally, experience in neurobehavioral studies in mice is preferable. Having obtained a FELASA B certificate would be also considered an advantage.

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.

Read more aboout the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society here.

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