Doctoral (PhD) student position in Vector-Parasite biocommunication

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 Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at Karolinska Institutet conducts research and teaching within immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. MTC has about 40 research groups and our key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, national and international collaborations.

This doctoral student position is available in the laboratory headed by Assoc Prof. S. Noushin Emami. The research describes the understanding of malaria parasite transmission and the development of a novel control tool to reduce parasite transmission success in affected communities. The project addresses the effect of exosomes of malaria parasite (P. falciparum) on manipulating the human and vector hosts.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Graduate studies in molecular biosciences requires a completed university degree at an advanced level or at least 240 credits of university education (240 hp in the Swedish universities), including at least 120 hp at the bachelor level in molecular biology, biology, chemistry or similar subject. Candidates should have successfully completed courses at the advanced level in molecular biosciences or equivalent subject (at least 60 hp), of which at least 30 hp represent independent research project work. Candidates who have other documented qualifications, obtained in Sweden or elsewhere, that are judged to provide equivalent knowledge are also qualified. Only a person who will be or has already been admitted to a third-cycle programme may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. The primary assessment criteria in appointing a doctoral student should be the capacity to benefit from the training.

The doctoral student will play a critical role in the project titled "Exosome: The Survival Key of Malaria Parasite Through Promoting Plasmodium-Anopheles Interaction." This project aims to unravel the mechanisms by which Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte-derived exosomes (PfEXOs) influence mosquito behavior, physiology, and parasite transmission success.

The doctoral student will:

1. Conduct Independent Research:
   • Investigate the molecular cargo of PfEXOs during the blood stage of Plasmodium falciparum.
   • Evaluate the neural and functional changes in mosquitoes caused by PfEXOs, focusing on host detection and feeding behavior.
   • Analyze the effects of PfEXOs on parasite fitness and transmissibility in Anopheles
     
     
2. Data Analysis and Interpretation:
   • Analyze large datasets using bioinformatics tools and statistical models to identify patterns and draw meaningful conclusions.
     
     
3. Collaboration and Communication:
   • Work collaboratively with an international, interdisciplinary research team.
   • Present findings at conferences and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
     
     
4. Professional Development:
   • Actively participate in training sessions, workshops, and knowledge exchange activities to build technical expertise.

The doctoral student is expected to:

• Demonstrate a high level of scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and motivation to address complex biological questions.
• Work independently and collaboratively while adhering to research timelines and deliverables.
• Communicate effectively, both within the research team and to broader scientific and public audiences.
• Commit to the ethical and responsible conduct of research, ensuring the integrity of all experiments and data.

Through this project, the doctoral student will develop advanced skills in molecular biology, vector biology, field research, and data analysis while contributing to novel insights into vector-parasite-host communication networks. The ultimate goal is to translate these findings into innovative interventions for malaria control, with a direct impact on global public health.

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

To successfully contribute to this project and achieve the outcomes of the doctoral education, the following skills and personal qualities are necessary or desirable:

Necessary Skills and Qualities

1. Scientific Background:
   • A strong academic foundation in molecular biology, parasitology, microbiology, or a related discipline.
   • Understanding of vector-borne diseases, particularly malaria, and its transmission dynamics.
     
     
2. Technical Expertise:
   • Hands-on experience with laboratory techniques such as:
     • Exosome isolation and analysis (e.g., ultracentrifugation, nanoparticle tracking).
     • Mass spectrometry or other metabolomics tools.
     • Genomic or transcriptomic analyses.
   • Familiarity with mosquito handling and behavioral assays.
     
     
3. Data Analysis and Computational Skills:
   • Proficiency in statistical analysis, bioinformatics, and data visualization tools (e.g., R, Python).
   • Experience in analyzing high-throughput datasets, such as metabolomics or transcriptomics.

Desirable Skills and Qualities

1. Behavioral Studies:
   • Knowledge of insect behavioral assays and techniques for analyzing mosquito host-seeking and feeding behavior.
     
     
2. Innovation and Problem-Solving:
   • Ability to think creatively and propose innovative solutions for translating fundamental research into practical vector control strategies.

This combination of skills and qualities will enable candidates to effectively contribute to the research goals, tackle challenges, and work towards novel interventions for malaria control.

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