Doctoral (PhD) student position in rheumatology - 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

Elisabet Svenungsson’s research group was established 15 years ago and is a multiprofessional team with focus on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Several senior researchers, post docs and PhD students belong to the group, and we have ongoing studies that cover many different aspects of SLE. The core clinical base for our research is a very well characterized SLE cohort and matched controls. Since this cohort was initiated 25 years ago, we have collected valuable clinical information and blood samples. Originating from the cohort we perform a variety of more focused investigations covering many aspects of SLE including patient reported outcomes, in depth studies of specific organ manifestations, immunological studies and genetics. We have well established collaborations with experimental scientists at the Centre for Molecular Medicine (CMM), KI, as well as with clinical epidemiologists at the Division of Clinical Epidemiology, KI. We are also active in several projects within the national Swedish SLE network, and in international collaborations with scientist at Mayo Clinic and New York School of Medicine. The work of post doc Vilija Oke, who will supervise this project, is focused on skin manifestations and biomarkers of disease activity systemically and in specific organ manifestations of SLE. She has both clinical and molecular expertise within the field. The research group belongs to Dept. of Medicine, Solna, division for Rheumatology.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The aim of this project is to study target organ involvement in SLE and underlying molecular mechanisms. The primary target focus is skin rash and the secondary focus is kidney inflammation. The methods will include handling patient cohorts and databases, histopathology, proteomics, cell culture etc. Preferentially the candidate should have a degree in medicine so that he/she can participate in patient- and control recruitment, and characterization. Laboratory work and histopathological analyses will be part of the project. Adequate supervision and introduction will be provided. The project is of a translational character.

The successful candidate will take part in all research-related activities such as group meetings, department seminars, national/international meetings, as well as standard laboratory routines of the group. Finally, the PhD student will work to achieve the course requirements of the PhD program as outlined in the relevant rules and documentation available at the ki.se website

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

The successful candidate should be a highly motivated person with a strong interest in rheumatology and molecular autoimmunity, motivated and capable to combine clinical work with laboratory work. To qualify, the applicant must have a degree in medicine and be able to take part in the inclusion and characterization of subjects and perform medical file reviews. The successful applicant needs to be fluent in English and Swedish, have excellent communication skills and the ability to interact effectively and work productively in a team. Merit is previous experience in clinical work with patients in a Nordic country and experience with clinical routines, as well as lab experience in the field of immunology. Great advantage is experience in handling databases, work with human tissues and biological fluids, as wells as some laboratory techniques for example histochemistry, ELISA, tissue culture work with primary immune cells or cell lines, PCR etc.

The project is now designed as a 100 % PhD position for four years. The first year should be performed as full time PhD studies, but thereafter we are open for solutions involving part time clinical work.

Terms and conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

--[Video about Karolinska Institutet, how we all work towards "a better health for all"] -

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.

Location

The Department of Medicine, Solna, consists of twelve divisions and each division consists of several research groups. The position is located within the research group of Elisabet Svenungsson, at the Division of Rheumatology.

research group

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