PhD position in DNA origami for structural biology - 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

The Högberg lab (www.hogberglab.net) is located at the department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at the Karolinska Institutet (KI). The lab is currently a diverse team of physicists, biologists, chemists and computational biologists. We offer a stimulating scientific environment and a top research infrastructure both locally, at the department level and institution level. KI is among the world’s top medical universities and KI’s faculty awards the Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine. 

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The project for this PhD position aims at creating new tools for structural biology using cryo electron microscopy. We envision a method to visualize disordered protein structures using DNA nanostructures, primarily DNA origami. 

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.

Our research is curiosity driven and the lab will provide ample opportunity for creative persons to strongly influence the direction of his/her project. Because of this we are primarily interested in individuals that are highly motivated and that aim to become independent researchers. The project has a potential to evolve further exciting research projects of direct relevance for biological and medical research in a lab positioned at the cutting edge of life-science technologies development. 

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

A successful candidate must meet the requirements for doctoral education at KI and hold a master’s or equivalent diploma in biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field. Applicants with previous research project experiences in the fields of DNA origami and/or structural biology, particularly single particle cryo-EM or cryo-ET, are highly favoured. The candidate should also have experience in optimising and solving both wet-lab and computational problems. With regards to soft skills, we are looking for a candidate who is highly motivated, communicable and can approach scientific problems in a creative manner. Fluency in spoken and written English is required. 

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.

www.hogberglab.net

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