Doctoral studies in Central Nervous System Regeneration/Synthetic biology - 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 Göritz laboratory is offering a stimulating, international research environment. We are part of the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, one of the world’s leading medical universities. The lab is located in Biomedicum, state-of-the-art research building on Solna campus.

https://ki.se/en/cmb/christian-goritzs-group

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Our lab investigates fibrotic scar formation and its impact on axonal regeneration and functional recovery following lesions to the central nervous system (CNS). We discovered a new population of perivascular cells, called type A pericytes, as the source of fibrotic scar tissue (Göritz et al., Science, 2011) and identified pericyte-derived scar formation as a therapeutic target to achieve axonal regeneration and functional recovery following spinal cord injury (Dias et al., Cell, 2018). Recently, we showed that fibrotic scarring by perivascular cells is a conserved mechanism in the adult mammalian CNS (Dias et al., Nature Com., 2021). The intended project builds on these findings and aims at further elucidating the mechanism of scar formation.

A collaboration with the Elsässer lab at MBB department / SciLifeLab presents a unique opportunity to apply synthetic biology in vivo to solve this medical problem. You will use bioorthogonally labeled secreted proteins for in vivo target identification. Furthermore, you will use protein design to develop strategies to interfere with fibrotic scarring to enhance CNS regeneration. Through combining these innovative technologies and in vivo mouse models, the project will chart therapeutic opportunities for treating nerve/spinal cord damage in humans.

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic doctoral student who is interested in applying synthetic biology/protein chemistry in vivo to study CNS regeneration.

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 motivated, driven candidates, with a solid background in biochemistry and a keen interest in neuroscience/regenerative medicine. Previous research experience on protein biochemistry and/or CNS in vivo lesion models is desirable. A documented ability to independently carry out experiments/small research projects is required, as are good communication skills in spoken and written English. Experience with protein biochemistry, transgenic mouse models, CNS lesion models, imaging techniques, and/or bioinformatics are meriting.

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.

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