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 research group of Associate Prof. John Inge Johnsen at the Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Woman’s and Children’s Health has funding available for a 4-year PhD position in experimental oncology. The research involves studies on identifying mechanisms for neuroblastoma development, a childhood cancer of the sympathetic nervous system, with a particular focus on molecular characterization of tumor initiation and investigations of novel therapies overcoming drug resistance in vitro and in vivo. To address this, we use a variety of preclinical models, including iPS and stem cells, organoids, zebrafish and mice models.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The successful candidate will work within a project with the aim to identify characterize mechanisms for neuroblastoma initiation from cells within the neural crest and to evaluate novel therapeutic targets in neuroblastoma, with focus on targeting proteins connected to neurogenesis and their function in disease progression and therapy resistance. The candidate is expected to work within the general framework of the research project, but will be encouraged to contribute with ideas and proposals for experiments. The PhD studies correspond to 4 years of full-time studies and include laboratory work as well as preclinical work with in vivo models, general and project related research courses, active participation in seminars and to present results at seminars and meetings.

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 seeking a motivated person with an interest for tumor biology with specific focus on childhood neural tumors. The candidate should have experience in stem cell biology, neural development, molecular oncology and drug testing using preclinical in vitro and in vivo models. The successful candidate should be self-motivated and has the ability to work productively and dynamically in a group. He/she is expected to actively contribute to both the practical and theoretical parts of the project, and to have excellent communication and organizational skills. Proficiency in oral and written English is necessary. Applicants should hold a masters' degree (or equivalent) in medicine, biology, pharmacology or another relevant life science. Excellent laboratory skills in molecular biology and cell biology are required. Previous experience in the research field and with certain methods and preclinical in vivo models is seen as an advantage. The applicant will be assessed on the basis of education and experience relevant to the project, motivation, communication skills and cooperative ability. Personal suitability is also an important criterion.

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/kbh/childhood-neural-tumors

 

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

Type of employment PhD placement
Contract type Full time
First day of employment According to agreement
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100
City Stockholm
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number STÖD 2-808/2024
Contact
  • John Inge Johnsen, Principal Researcher, john.inge.johnsen@ki.se
  • Sabina Brinkley, HR-partner, 08-52482380
Union representative
  • Shahla Rostami, OFR, shahla.rostami@ki.se
  • Henry Wölling, SEKO, henry.wolling@ki.se
  • Shahid Tarar, SACO, shahid.tarar@ki.se
Published 19.Feb.2024
Last application date 04.Mar.2024 11:59 PM CET

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