Doctoral (PhD) student position in autoimmune tolerance research - 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 successful candidate will work in the research group of Dr. Vivianne Malmström, in a collaborative environment at the Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Solna. Dr. Malmström’s team is specialized in the study of autoimmune T-cell and B-cell responses in rheumatic diseases, with particular interest in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) and ANCA vasculitis. In the recent years, we have isolated, sequenced, re-expressed and characterized a vast collection of patient-derived autoreactive T- and B-cell receptors. The generated data have revealed us the autoimmune signature present in these patients, at the same time it has helped us to better understand the initial immune reactivity stages that lead to disease diagnosis. Our experimental platform allows us today to explore the biological effects of patient-derived autoantibodies, particularly their relation to phenotypes such as joint pain, bone erosion and inflammation, while opening new ways to study disease-relevant autoimmune pathways in animal models. Our findings and experimental models have inspired multiple collaborative projects with pharmaceutical companies where we analyse novel early-stage therapies of importance to RA. In addition to experimental research, we study a large cohort of individuals at risk of developing RA, people who carry autoantibodies typical for RA and have musculoskeletal complaints, with the aim of identifying environmental factors and immune mechanisms that can be linked to RA development.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral project will focus on the establishment and characterization of a novel humanized mouse model of RA, where patient-derived T-cell receptor sequences (TCR) recognizing autoantigens will be present. These TCR sequences target post-translationally modified proteins, namely citrullinated self-proteins, and will form the basis to develop tolerogenic strategies in the context of the disease-associated human HLA-DR4 allele. The studies involve not only the development of tolerance at steady state, but also in disease-inducing settings. The first will allow us to better understand the in vivo citrullinome of our experimental system, whereas the later will be of extreme importance to characterize the auto reactivity of these T cells to modified self-antigens, and to allow the development of novel tolerogenic strategies. Moreover, our in house re-expression of patient-derived anti-citrullinated protein autoantibodies (ACPA) will permit the study of combinatory settings where both autoreactive T cells and antibodies are present, thus mimicking the complex auto reactivity observed in RA patients. Adding to the exposure, planning and execution of laboratory research models of autoimmune arthritis, the student will also acquire experience in the development of such genetically modified models. Additionally, the student will learn the processes of conventional and spectral flow cytometry, cell culture assays, ELISA/ELISpot assays, confocal microscopy and day-to-day wet lab practices. One important aim of this learning experience is to provide the student with means to achieve independence in planning and executing experiments. To do so, the principal and co-supervisors will actively contribute with knowledge and self-experience in methodological advances, and encourage and guide the student in discussing and publishing his/her research results, as well as in developing further independent lines of research. The student will actively participate in group- and institutional meetings and present his/her results on national and international conferences.

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 only consider candidates with genuine interest in immunology and autoimmunity. Good collaboration skills and a capacity of independent work and problem solving are required. Since the projects are largely composed of in vivo murine models and the analyses of biological samples, an affinity to these kinds of studies is a must. Although the student will have chance to acquire the experimental skills needed for the projects, previous experience in immunological studies and the acquaintance with immunological, molecular and statistical methodologies will be positively acknowledged. The completion of an EU-recognized certificate to conduct animal experiments will be preferred, but not mandatory.

Terms and conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

--[Video about Karolinska Institutet, how we all work towards "a better health for all"] -

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 position will be at the Department of medicine, Solna. The Department consists of twelve divisions and each department consists of several research groups. The position is placed in the research group of Vivianne Malmström at the rheumatology division, located at the Center for Molecular Medicine, cmm.ki.se

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