PhD studies in Immunoproteomics - 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 studies will be conducted in the Cancer proteomics Mass spectrometry (MS) research group headed by professor Janne Lehtiö. The research group is placed at Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab) in Solna, Stockholm.

Proteomics is a research field aiming to study proteins on a systems level by simultaneous analysis of thousands of proteins. We develop MS-based methods for in-depth interrogation of the proteome and apply these methods in cancer research. Our aim is to improve precision cancer medicine by increasing the understanding of cancer biology at the proteome level. This enables the development of novel therapeutic strategies and discovery of biomarkers with predictive, prognostic and diagnostic value.

We are engaged all the way from method development to understanding of proteome biology, multi-omics analysis and developing clinical decision support tools. Our main focus is on cancers of the lung, breast as well as leukemia. Our group is also well integrated with Karolinska University Hospitals research and development.

Addition to cutting edge proteomics, we have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art omics, imaging and high throughput technologies through SciLifeLab facilities. In close affiliation to the research group we also provide access to MS-based proteomics for external users through our core facilities at KI and SciLifeLab.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented person for a PhD position within the proteomics and proteogenomics methods sub-group led by Dr. Rui Branca. Our focus here is to develop and apply mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteogenomics methods for immunoproteomics. We have developed a unique proteogenomics method (HiRIEF LC-MS), which simultaneously allows deep proteome profiling (useful to characterize the tumor microenvironment) as well as detection of cryptic/non-canonical proteins produced by cancer genome aberrations (Branca RMM et al, Nat Methods 2014, PMID: 24240322; Boekel J. et al, Nat Biotechnol 2015, PMID: 25658277; Zhu Y et al, Nat Commun 2018, PMID: 29500430). This innovative proteogenomics method opens up completely new possibilities to discover cancer-specific proteins, so called tumor-specific antigens (a.k.a. neoantigens). Specifically, the student will use MS-methods, cellular assays, flow cytometry and sequencing methods (all available at SciLifelab facilities) to develop cancer immunotherapies further, in particular focusing on the cellular utilization of these neoantigens by immune system cells in various cancer types, as well as investigating the complex cellular interplay taking place in the tumor microenvironment. The project aims to discover putative targets and biomarker panels with clinical utility enabling development of improved therapies, such as CAR T cell therapy, or mRNA cancer vaccine therapy.

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 enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate to join our team. Applicants should hold a masters' degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, biotechnology or another relevant life science or related fields. We place great emphasis on personal suitability. To succeed as a PhD student, it is important that you have a personal drive and a flexible and inquisitive mind to handle the rapidly developing field of cancer immunotherapy. Excellent and documented laboratory skills in molecular biology and cell culture are required. Previous experience of working with flow cytometry and FACS sorting (particularly regarding T cells and their immune check point molecules), T cell isolation, cell toxicity assays, immunophenotyping, CAR T-cell therapy, gene transfection, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing are seen as an advantage. Since the applicant will work in a multidisciplinary environment the ability to work with other scientist and good communication skills are important. Proficiency in oral and written English is necessary.

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.

Lehtio Lab

SciLifeLab

KI Oncology-Pathology Lehtio Group

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