Identification of novel atheroprotective pathways mediated by HDL - 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

Within the Department of Laboratory Medicine the Division of Clinical Chemistry is carrying out research to elucidate the molecular basis of cardiometabolic disease integrating contemporary basic science, clinical medicine and translational approaches. The Department of Laboratory Medicine consists of 6 divisions and is active in advanced basic scientific, clinical and epidemiological research. The department is one of the largest departments of education at Karolinska Institutet.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

High density lipoproteins (HDL) protect against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease additive to and beyond their commonly clinically measured cholesterol component. HDL can e.g. elicit cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells, decrease endothelial inflammation and inhibit oxidative modification of LDL particles. However, the clinical utility of HDL function assays is still only beginning to be explored and insufficient knowledge exists with respect to molecular pathways corresponding to HDL-related signal transduction. The current PhD project represents a continuation of our previous seminal contributions to advance the concept of HDL function (e.g. Circulation 2021, 143, 1935; Diabetes 2019, 68:1915; JASN 2017, 28: 769) The aims of the project are (i) to provide novel insights into molecular signalling pathways triggered by HDL and (ii) to delineate the clinical value of these using material from prospective cohort studies. Within this framework, the PhD student will work with techniques such as cell culture, real-time PCR, cloning, Western blot, CRISPR-Cas9 technology, RNA sequencing, mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, and biostatistics. Using established protocols together with a variety of educational activities by Karolinska Institutet the PhD student will be offered unique learning opportunities for a career in cardiometabolic research.

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 a highly motivated, structured, enthusiastic, and scientifically driven PhD candidate interested in the molecular basis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in relation to clinical outcomes. The person should be able to work independently but on the other hand also value a collaborative approach to science and enjoy working in a team. Good proficiency in English, both oral and written is required. The PhD student should ideally have a background in biomedical sciences covering expertise in molecular biology. General experience with laboratory work and respective skills such as cell culture, PCR, Western blot, cloning, centrifugation, chromatography are needed as well as basic proficiencies in using computer programs from e.g. the office package or statistics software such as SPSS, GraphPad Prism or R. Further detailed laboratory skills pertinent to the project are of advantage. 

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.

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