PhD student position in molecular cancer therapy

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

Come join the Rudd Lab! We are seeking a doctoral (PhD) student to join our group and embark on a translational research project with the ultimate goal of providing cancer patients with improved treatment options. We are a young and dynamic team affiliated with the Department of Oncology-Pathology and physically located at SciLifeLab in Stockholm.

Research in the Rudd lab is centred upon antimetabolite cancer therapies, which remain standard-of-care for many cancers including leukaemias. However, their efficacy can vary, and the underlying molecular mechanisms can remain unclear. Thus, in our group we aim to further our basic understanding of how these agents exert their therapeutic effects, to understand why in some instances they work and in others they do not, and leverage this information to design therapy improvements.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral project is centred upon a chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of paediatric and adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) called nelarabine, a synthetic mimic of the endogenous metabolite deoxyguanosine. Despite decades of clinical use, our understanding of the factors that control the efficacy of this therapy remain limited. To address this, we have generated a collection of unique datasets in collaboration with the Chemical Biology and Genome Engineering platform at SciLifeLab, comprising of genome-wide CRISPR knockout screens, thermal proteome profiling and expression proteomics, of drug-exposed T-ALL cells. With this approach we have uncovered new factors not previously associated with this drug that will inform upon potential biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and the design of mechanism-based drug combinations. The doctoral student will test several hypotheses generated from these high-density datasets – employing state-of-the-art biochemical, molecular and cell biology-focused approaches – with the aim of deepening our understanding of how this drug works and providing the scientific basis for future refinement of treatment regimens in T-ALL.

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 looking for applicants with a keen interest in conducting translational research, particularly in uncovering the molecular mechanisms of how cancer drugs kill leukemic cells. Successful candidates should be highly motivated, curious, and creative, with an attention to detail. Previous hands-on experience in a research environment (conducting biochemistry, molecular or cell biology experiments for example) is essential. Applicants are also expected to be organised and work constructively within a team, but also work well independently. Good communication skills in English (written and verbal) is essential, and emphasis will be placed upon personal suitability, taking into account how well the candidate fits within the current research group.

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.

Apply at the latest 14^th Janaury. 

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