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 it is a multiprofessional research team with focus on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic vasculitis. The research group consists of several senior researchers, post docs and PhD students. The core clinical base for our research is a large SLE cohort and sub cohorts with patients with renal involvement. Clinical information and blood samples from study subjects have been collected and stored for future research projects and are available for the planned studies.

We have well established collaborations with experimental scientists at the Centre for Molecular Medicine (CMM), KI, and collaborations with nephrology and pathology. We are also active in several projects within the national Swedish SLE network.

The proposed PhD project will be led by professor Iva Gunnarsson together with co-supervisors within the field of rheumatology. Associate professor Caroline Grönwall will take part and supervise the experimental part of the project which will be performed at CMM. The research group belongs to Department of Medicine, Solna, Rheumatology division at Karolinska Institutet.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The aim of this project is to study kidney involvement in SLE and underlying factors that have impact on the long-term renal prognosis. The methods will include handling patient cohorts and databases, histopathology, and work at the research laboratory. Preferentially the candidate should have a degree in medicine so that he/she can work with extracting data from medical records and evaluate outcome measures in patients with renal involvement. Laboratory work will be part of the project. Adequate supervision and introduction will be provided. The project is of clinical and partly translational character.

The PhD student 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 PhD candidate should be a highly motivated person with a strong interest in rheumatology and nephrology, and capable to combine clinical work with research and laboratory work. To qualify, the applicant must have a degree in medicine and be able to take part in 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 rheumatology/nephrology and experience with clinical routines.

Great advantage is experience in handling databases, as wells as some laboratory techniques. Previous experience in lupus nephritis research is a merit.

The project is now designed as a 100 % PhD position for four years. The first research period 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.

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

Forskargrupp Elisabet Svenungsson

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