Doctoral (PhD) student position in Host Pathogen Interaction

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 research group is part of the Division of Dermatology and Venerology at the Department of Medicine Solna. The research Team leader is Dr. Keira Melican and the group is part of the Liv Eidsmo group. The current team consists of PhD students, post-docs, clinicians and research engineers.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The purpose of this doctoral project is to investigate the interactions between human epidermal immune cells in situ and Staphylococcus bacteria. The project will use human skin models both in vivo and ex vivo to study how healthy human skin responds to bacterial colonization and infection. Bacteria will include both commensal skin microbiota such as S. epidermidis as well as pathogenic S. aureus. Experimental read-outs will include immunological and microbiological analysis as well as microscopy and transcriptomics. The student will be expected to learn all relevant techniques and be able to work confidently and safely within a BSL2 environment. The student will be involved in all aspects of the work including results analysis, writing and presentation of results. As a doctoral program they will also be required to complete a full complement of doctoral educational courses relevant to the project.

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 dedicated and enthusiastic candidate who can work as part of our team. We are looking for someone with a masters degree in Biomedicine and experience with microbiology and infection.

Requirements for the position are experience in BSL2 level microbiology work and certification for animal experimentation. Experience working with clinical material, particularly skin, and immunological read-outs such as ELISA are desirable, as is training and experience in microscopy techniques. As the project focusses on Staphylococcus Sp. , experience working with these bacteria will be an advantage.

As the student will be interacting with our international collaborators, excellent written and spoken English is needed as well as good collaboration and presentation skills.

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.

https://ki.se/en/people/keira-melican 

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all