Doctoral (PhD) student position in the field of childhood cancer - 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 PhD position will be placed at the Department of Laboratory Medicine consisting of 6 divisions, active in many areas of Laboratory Medicine. At the Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM) we work in an interdisciplinary team to advance therapy development for a number of diseases. Here we use cells, cell products and modified biomolecules as tools to develop novel treatment strategies and to understand fundamental processes in cells. We perform translational studies in close physical proximity to clinical research at the Translational Research Center (TRACK), Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, to bring the innovation closer to the clinic.

Caroline Palm Apergi’s lab focuses on therapy development and treatment optimization for childhood cancers. We have special interest in cell cycle proteins and are currently studying if we can target them with small molecules and RNAi-based drugs to develop novel therapies against pediatric cancers using cell cultures, patient-derived cells and animal models. Our overarching goal is to design novel therapies and drug combinations that can overcome resistance and decrease current side effects.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We are looking for a highly motivated individual, preferably a medical doctor, who has a strong documented interest in tumor biology and in pediatric cancers in particular.  The doctoral student will work on developing PLK1-targeting drugs (RNAi-based and small molecules) against pediatric cancers and investigate potential off targets and side effects. The project entails working with xenograft animal models, cell cultures and patient-derived cells and involves molecular and cell biology methods. Part of the project deals with proteomics and transcriptomics data analysis. We expect that the student will lead the project under supervision and will gradually acquire independence in planning, executing, analyzing and presenting data. We collaborate with several research groups both nationally and internationally, and the student will play an active role in driving the part of collaboration related to their project. The successful candidate will take part in all research-related activities such as group meetings, departmental seminars, relevant international meetings, supervision of other students and researchers, if necessary, as well as contribute to common lab routines. Finally, the PhD student will work to fulfil the course requirements of the PhD program as outlined in the relevant rules and documentation available at the ki.se website.

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

It is an advantage with prior knowledge regarding childhood cancers, treatments and/or drug delivery. The candidate should have good understanding of current methods in cancer biology and a hands-on experience in laboratory methods such as flow cytometry, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, CETSA and work with primary cells. The successful candidate should be able to express themselves freely in English, and work both in a group and individually. Emphasis will be put on personal suitability and lab experience. We are looking for an energetic and passionate person who fits in and actively contributes to our team.

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/labmed/research-group-caroline-palm-apergi

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