Doctoral (PhD) student position for molecular profiling and perturbation of the limb blastema in newts - 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

We study regeneration mechanisms in newts. We have developed several methods which allow characterization of limb regeneration at the molecular level. We also place our findings into an evolutionary context.

For more information about the group: https://ki.se/en/cmb/andras-simons-group

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Limb regeneration in newts represents a unique example for how a complex body part can be rebuilt in vertebrates. Regeneration starts by rapid wound healing, followed by formation of a mesenchymal growth zone, called the blastema from which the new appendage originates. Blastema cells are generated from local stump tissues during which process several cell types undergo reprogramming.

The focus of the project is to understand the molecular underpinnings of such reprogramming events with particular focus on the role of a group of miRNAs that bear the characteristic embryonic stem cell-specific cell cycle regulating seed and are regulated during limb regeneration. Of particular interest is whether and how these miRNAs regulate the dedifferentiation of terminally differentiated cells, which is a distinctive feature of newt limb regeneration.

The laboratory methods employed will include small animal surgeries, single cell small RNA sequencing, in situ hybridization, CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing. The PhD student will devote most of the time to laboratory studies. In addition the student will be expected to analyze data, present results in meetings and write scientific manuscripts. Coursework pertaining PhD and teaching will also be required within the PhD-studies at KI.

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.

Specific eligibility requirement for Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions – Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN) programme:

- Supported researchers must be Doctoral Candidates (DC), i.e., not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.

- Recruited researchers can be of any nationality and must undertake trans-national mobility (i.e., move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment. In particular, at the time of selection by the host organization, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organization for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.

- The candidates’ ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English should be sufficiently high for them to derive the full benefit from the network training. 

Skills and personal qualities

We are looking for a highly motivated and talented individual who has the maturity and desire to work independently as well as in a group setting. The day-today studies are very much laboratory based and requires self-motivation. On the other hand, the research group has multiple ongoing collaborative projects and as such the applicant must have strong communication skills. A background in molecular, cellular and developmental biology is a requirement.

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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