PhD Position in Neuro-Oncology and Radiation-Induced Brain Injury

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.

Research Group

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our research team led by Professor Klas Blomgren at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health. The research group consists of approximately 15 members with diverse backgrounds and education, most of whom are based at Biomedicum on the Solna campus of Karolinska Institute. Our overarching goal is to improve both survival and quality of life for children and adolescents who have been treated for a brain tumour.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The project focuses on improving treatment outcomes and reducing long-term brain damage following radiotherapy for high-grade brain tumours. A particular focus is on investigating the role of lithium as a potential therapeutic strategy to both protect brain tissue and enhance the effects of radiation. The aim is to contribute new knowledge that, in the long term, may lead to improved treatment protocols for patients with medulloblastoma and high-grade gliomas.

The work involves studies of cells and tissues, including leptomeningeal fibroblasts and their interactions with cancer cells. We use established cell lines and animal models in combination with advanced molecular biology methods to understand how radiotherapy affects tumour development and the indirect effects via the surrounding tissue and microenvironment. As a PhD student, you will plan and conduct experiments, analyse data, and actively participate in the group’s scientific discussions and collaborations. The project offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment with close links between basic research and clinical application.

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 and enthusiastic person with a strong interest in neuro-oncology. You should be independent and able to work productively both individually and in a team, while also contributing to a positive social environment in the laboratory. As a PhD student, you are expected to actively participate in both practical and theoretical aspects of the project, and we are seeking someone with excellent communication and organizational skills. You should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biomedicine or molecular medicine.

The ideal candidate has experience and competence in a broad range of laboratory and analytical methods used in our research group. This includes cell culture with both human and animal cells, RNA extraction and qPCR, Western blot, and flow cytometry (FACS). It is advantageous if the candidate can work with human fibroblast cell lines and cell irradiation. Furthermore, experience in immunohistochemistry and microscopy, including confocal microscopy, light sheet microscopy, and live imaging in 2D and 3D, is relevant. Experience with iDisco is considered highly meritorious.

The candidate should have experience working with laboratory animals and hold a Laboratory Animal Science Function A certificate for rodents. Experience with small animal irradiation, stereotactic surgery in mice, and tissue collection, such as brain, is meritorious. It is also meritorious if the candidate has experience in bioinformatics, including analysis of bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics.

The candidate should have strong IT skills and English proficiency at a minimum of C2 level. We place great emphasis on personal qualities.

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.

https://ki.se/en/research/research-areas-centres-and-networks/research-groups/injury-and-repair-in-the-immature-brain-blomgren-group#tab-start

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