Doctoral (PhD) postition in neurophysiology - 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 of Assistant Professor Anders Borgkvist

We are a neurophysiology research laboratory studying how the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia control learning and memory, motivation, and motor behavior. We are particularly interested in understanding the actions of monoamines, i.e. dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin within these circuits and how these neuromodulators control excitability and synaptic plasticity. Our experimental approach is heavily based on electrophysiological recordings of neuronal activity and functional studies on synapses.

Our laboratory is part of the Department of Neuroscience and is located in Biomedicum, a brand-new building that house the vast majority of the experimental research at Karolinska Solna Campus. We collaborate with several labs here in Sweden and internationally.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We are looking for a highly motivated person with a background in medicine, biomedicine or pharmacology, preferably with some previous expertise in neuroscience. The successful applicant will work on a project focused on understanding how midbrain circuits for motor control are affected in Parkinson’s disease. The experimental approach is multidisciplinary and comprise electrophysiological recordings in brain slices and in vivo, multiphoton imaging, biochemical analysis, histology and behavioral tests.

The student will also learn to perform surgical procedures and how to work with viral expression systems. Upon graduation, the student will be equipped with a strong knowledge in experimental neuroscience, and sufficient expertise to embark on a successful international career in academic research.

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 necessary that the candidate has previous experience with electrophysiology in live brain slices. Hands-on experience with patch clamp recordings of GABAergic synapses is a major advantage. It is also recommended that the candidate has basic skills and a high motivation for computer programming (i.e. Matlab, R, Igor Pro, Labview, Python). Since we routinely design and manufacture our own equipment it is also a plus if you know how to make 3D models and work with 3D printing.

The student will join an international team and good interpersonal skills are essential. We emphasize the person’s ability as a team player and contributing to a collaborative work environment.

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!