Doctoral (PhD) student position: Exploring the role of the bone marrow microenvironment in low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We are recruiting a doctoral (PhD) student. 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 Department of Medicine, Huddinge

The Department of Medicine, Huddinge conducted preclinical and clinical research in a variety of areas and undergraduate and graduate education. The department is internationally oriented and consists of seven units with about 40 teams.

The research group

The Hellström-Lindberg group’s research focus is on cellular and molecular pathways underlying aberrant stem cell function and ineffective erythropoiesis in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Recent studies from our group on this subject encompass Moura, et al., Cancer Research 2023; Todisco, et al., Clinical Cancer Research 2023; Hofman, et al., Blood Advances 2022; Elvarsdottir, et al., Leukemia 2020; Shiozawa, et al., Blood 2017; Mortera Blanco, et al., Blood 2017. We are exploring MDS pathogenesis along two lines: to understand the competitive advantage of SF3B1 mutated stem cells in the human bone marrow niche, and to outline the mechanisms behind terminal erythroid failure. This is studied in primary patient samples from our MDS biobank through diverse technologies such as advanced flow cytometry, high-throughput RNA sequencing including single cell analysis, and various in vitro and in vivo stem cell assays.

The project will take place within the frame of a major collaborative research grant and a large personal grant from the Wallenberg Foundation. The project will be pursued at HERM.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) comprise a broad spectrum of hematological malignancies affecting the hematopoietic stem cell compartment and causing myeloid cytopenias. The low-risk subset of disease in myelodysplastic syndromes has a higher survival rate than median but in general presents severe cytopenias with with limited treatment options.

The studies in this project will functionally investigate bone marrow (BM) cell subsets and the global architecture of the low-risk MDS BM microenvironment to further the field’s understanding of MDS, and have the ultimate goal of uncovering novel critical regulatory mechanisms in MDS.

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

Applicants should have at least a master’s degree in medicine, molecular biology or immunology. Candidates with a combined background covering medicine, biology, math and programming are highly encouraged to apply. Bioinformatic experience using R will be looked upon favorably. Similarly, previous experience with single cell RNA sequencing, flow cytometry for analysis of primary hematopoietic cells, and immunofluorescence imaging techniques will be looked upon positively. Applicant should be fluent in English (written and spoken). Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

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