Doctoral (PhD) student position in blood engineering - 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 Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM) at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge (http://ki.se/medh/herm) is seeking a motivated PhD student that will work on pluripotent stem cells to study human hematopoiesis and to model disease. HERM is a nationally leading and internationally competitive research environment for studies of hematopoiesis, blood disorders and the human immune system with state-of-the art cell culture, molecular biology, flow cytometry, sequencing and microscopy facilities.

The main interest of the lab is to exploit novel cell culture methods, including 3D systems, that emulate in vivo cellular niches and to develop sophisticated in vitro disease models. In our group, you will be working in a highly translational and multidisciplinary setting, where collaborative efforts are encouraged.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

This PhD project will define molecular regulators of stem cell function and hematopoietic differentiation, which will lead to the development of in vitro models and identification of targets for drug development. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be specified into various hematopoietic lineages and provide a powerful tool to increase our understanding of blood development and diseases, which are otherwise prohibitive to study in vivo. The overall aim of this work will be to utilize new and unique iPSCs as disease models to untangle molecular mechanisms underlying human blood formation, megakaryopoiesis and myeloid malignancies. This project provides an exciting opportunity to apply cutting-edge technology and work at the interface of genetics, biomedicine and stem cell biology.

The successful candidate will get a deep understanding for hematology and stem cell biology and use a variety of molecular biology methods and functional assays, including flow cytometry, RNA sequencing and CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering. In vitro work relies on the maintenance and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells as well as sample preparation and analysis of human primary tissues. The doctoral student will plan and perform experiments, analyze complex experimental data, interpret and present results and participate in the writing of scientific papers.

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

The applicant must have a strong interest and theoretical knowledge in cell biology; have practical experience in mammalian tissue culture, preferably iPSCs, flow cytometry and 3D cell culture; and proficiency in cell and molecular biology techniques. We are looking for a candidate who is driven and curious about hematology, stem cells and regenerative medicine and enjoys learning new things, and who is able to work independently as well as a part of a research team. The applicant must communicate well in written and spoken English.

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