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 Department of Medicine, Solna is one of the largest departments at Karolinska Institute. The core activities of the Department of Medicine are clinical and undergraduate education for medical as well as biomedical students, post-graduate education, including at present 200 registered PhD students, and research in different areas of biomedicine. The department conducts research in a large number of areas. The proximity to patients is one of the department’s strengths. Conducting research in a clinical environment gives excellent opportunities to integrate basic research and patient-centred research.

Onur Parklak lab is a newly established laboratory in the Dermatology and venereology Division that aims to use innovative science at the interface between biotechnology, materials science, and electronics to tackle the key area of critical importance to society: healthcare and biomaterials. Parlak Lab investigates the application of bioelectronics in medicine to meet the need for complex, dynamic environments and to develop novel devices for dermatological and neurological diseases. The overall aim of the lab is to develop new technologies to combat healthcare challenges and design novel tools for early diagnostics and solutions for digital medicine and remote monitoring.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral project aims to develop a novel medical sensor technology to quantitatively measure the skin parameters for dermatological and neurological disorders. This will be achieved by designing epidermal bioelectronics devices measuring key physicochemical and biological biomarkers of the skin on human skin models.

With the ultimate goal of providing important new knowledge for human skin biology and improving skin diagnostics and care, the doctoral student is expected to gain broad knowledge on:

  • How to chart a spatiotemporal map of human skin by analysing the epidermal parameters.
  • How to navigate physicochemical and structural routes by dissecting the core regulatory networks.
  • How to develop an epidermal sensor to monitor skin to guide precise skincare.

The doctoral project will combine biosensor research with basic biochemistry, microbiology and microscopy to generate truly interdisciplinary doctoral research scientist. The result from the doctoral project will be a model platform and pave the way for novel molecular and cell-based bio sensing to implement preventative actions.

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, curiosity-driven, inquisitive and enthusiastic person interested in our area of research and ready to explore new avenues in science. The candidate is expected to have a collaborative approach to research, work productively in a team, and contribute to a good social environment in the laboratory.

The applicant shall hold a Master´s degree (or equivalent) in natural or engineering sciences. The candidates with previous experience in biosensors, polymer chemistry and cell culturing are not required but are considered important merit to reach the goal of the doctoral project. The applicant needs to have a high degree of independence and motivation but should have no problems working in a team, given the collaborative nature of the project. Fluency in English is a requirement.

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. The position is located within the research group of Onur Parlak at the division of Dermatology and Venereology. The group is located at the Centre for Molecular Medicine (CMM), at the Karolinska Hospital area.

Onur Parlak research group

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

Type of employment PhD placement
Contract type Full time
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100
City Stockholm
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number STÖD 2-3650/2022
Contact
  • Onur Parlak, +46(0)708449151
Union representative
  • Afsar Rahbar OFR, Afsar.Rahbar@ki.se
  • Louisa Cheung, SACO, Louisa.Cheung@ki.se
  • Bruna Gigante, SACO, bruna.gigante@ki.se
Published 16.Sep.2022
Last application date 14.Oct.2022 11:59 PM CEST

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