Doctoral (PhD) student position in aging genetics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We use modern genomic technologies that allow for detailed analysis down to single-cell resolution to try to answer disease-relevant fundamental questions in biology. We collaborate closely with clinical researchers to be able to validate our findings for their translational potential.

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 research group of Professor Maria Eriksson is seeking for a PhD student.
https://ki.se/en/bionut/genetic-mechanisms-of-ageing-maria-eriksson
We aim to identify novel genetic mechanisms of aging with a special focus on somatic mutations and their contribution to age-associated disease, and the study of the premature aging disorder Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome to identify and test novel treatment strategies.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Objective and hypothesis: To identify non-coding RNA-linked to progeria disease pathways, which can pave the way to new, more efficient therapeutic approaches based on ncRNA-neutralizing agents (including antisense oligos). The hypothesis is that ncRNAs functionally contribute to the pathological progeria hallmarks in the vascular wall and the development of cardiovascular disease. The vascular pathology in progeria includes extensive loss of vascular smooth muscle cells, intima thickness, media calcification and adventitia fibrosis. We will benefit from a widely used progeria model that shows systemic and relevant physiological expression levels and accumulation of progerin. Modern sequencing technologies, will be employed to identify ncRNAs in the cardiovascular system and oligonucleotide-based drugs against the most promising ncRNAs will be validated for their causal involvement in disease pathology and as novel therapeutic agents.

The PhD student is expected to participate in the experimental design, experimentation, analysis, and presentation/publication of research results. The research work includes standard molecular biological techniques, cell culture, next generation applications for genome-wide analysis (single-cell and bulk sequencing), and digital droplet PCR. The student is expected to be part of the group and to develop in accordance with the common group goals and research interests. 

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 student should be highly motivated, responsible, able to function well in the group, able to perform own experiments and to participate in discussion with other members of the group. Experience or certificate from work with mice models is an 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.

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