PhD studies in translational melanoma research - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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Karolinska Institutet, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Eriksson research group

At the Department of Oncology-Pathology basic, translational and clinical research and educational activities related to cancer are carried out. Approximately 300 people from over 40 nations are currently working at the department. About 30 research groups with various cancer research profiles are involved and we have around 110 PhD students. The Department of Oncology-Pathology is responsible for undergraduate courses in Pathology, Oncology and Forensic Medicine for medical students, as well as for Tumor biology courses for biomedicine students and Pathology courses for opticians.

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 doctoral studies will be conducted in the Eriksson research group. The group focuses on clinical and translational research on immune-based therapies and toxicities in melanoma. Both clinical and pre-clinical doctoral and postdoctoral students are part of the group.

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive of all skin cancer and is highly immunogenic. The development of immune-based therapies has improved the survival in advanced disease in recently years but there are still sub-groups of patients that do not respond to available therapies. Our aim is to improve personalized cancer treatment by increasing the understanding of melanoma biology and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Ph.D. student to join our research group. We are looking for a doctoral student who is curious and eager to solve biological questions with focus on translational melanoma research and a profound interest in immune-oncology. Specifically, for the doctoral project the research aims at improving melanoma immune-based treatments by understanding differences in therapy responses on the molecular and cellular levels. The overall goal is to translate our lab research into a clinical trial.

The selected student will be expected to actively contribute to scientific hypothesis development, experimental design, experimentation, data analysis, presentation of results, and manuscript preparation. The project involves various cellular and molecular biology techniques, including cell culture. Animal experimentation and tissue processing will constitute a part of the experimental work. While the project primarily involves laboratory work, some familiarity with statistical analysis, bioinformatics, and systems biology is desirable. As a doctoral student you will also participate in relevant courses and scientific conferences. The PhD project has received partial funding through a competitive process from the central funds at the Karolinska Institutet (KID funding). For more information regarding the doctoral education at the Karolinska Institutet, see: Doctoral education at Karolinska Institutet | Karolinska Institutet Utbildning (ki.se).

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

Applications are welcome from students with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, biomedicine or another relevant life science or related field with a strong interest in translational research and with experience of experimental research. We place great emphasis on personal suitability. Documented experience within the field is preferable but not necessary. Knowledge in onco-immunology and melanoma is highly meritorious. The candidate should have excellent and documented laboratory skills, particularly merited are experience with western blot, qPCR, microscopy, FACS and cultivation of mammalian cells. . Knowledge of computer programming, especially programs Python and R as well as GraphPad Prism, ImageLab and ImageJ or similar is desirable. An understanding of cancer biology and immune-based cancer therapies is an advantage. We are seeking a highly motivated and creative person with a genuine interest in research. The work makes high demands on accuracy, planning skills and a structured way of working. Since the applicant will work in a multidisciplinary environment, the ability to work with other scientist and good communication skills are important. Proficiency in oral and written English is necessary.

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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