PhD position in advanced nucleic acid therapeutics

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 Department of Laboratory Medicine consists of 9 divisions and it is representative of laboratory medicine in the full sense of the word. 350 persons work at this department, half of them are PhD students. LABMED is involved in both advanced basic research and clinical studies. The department is one of Karolinska Institutet's largest teaching departments.

For more information about postgraduate education at Karolinska Institutet, see http://www.ki.se/doctoral.

At our research group Molecular Cell Biology and Gene Therapy Science (MCG), under the lead of Rula Zain and Edvard Smith, we are at the forefront of innovative research focusing on treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. We aim to advance our understanding of nucleotide tandem repeat (NTR) disorders and develop innovative therapeutic solutions.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) and Huntington’s disease (HD) are both rare, inherited disorders that cause progressive damage to the nervous system. This can cause movement and sensory symptoms, while FRDA also may cause heart disease and diabetes. Both FRDA and HD are devastating neurodegenerative disorders and currently only symptomatic treatment is available.

The doctoral project, which is a part of the ATMP Research School, explores gene-editing strategies for treating nucleotide tandem repeat (NTR) disorders. Additionally, an anti-gene oligonucleotide-based therapeutic strategy targeting tandem-repeats will be explored as combined treatment. The project will include in-vitro experiments using cell lines and in-vivo studies.

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 seek highly motivated and a driven individual who is passionate about our research and eager to explore new scientific directions. The candidate should possess a strong collaborative spirit, be team-oriented while also capable of independent work.

The candidate should:

• have a strong background in nucleic acid chemistry and biology
• have a proficiency in data processing, statistical analysis and programming
• have a degree in relevant fields such as molecular biology, molecular medicine or biotechnology
• have excellent communication skills  
• be able to work productively and collaboratively in a team
• be proficient in writing and speaking English

Additional skills that are meritorious for the position:

• experience in research on NTR disorders and development of therapeutical strategies
• practical experience in basic cell and molecular biology techniques
• FELASA course and prior experience with in-vivo experiments, for example handling animals, tissue collection and sample preparations for molecular assays

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

- A summary of current work, if any (no more than one page)
- 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.

Why choose Karolinska Institutet for your doctoral studies?

Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM)

Molecular Cell Biology and Gene Therapy Science (MCG)

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