Doctoral (PhD) student position in malaria parasite genomics and immunology - 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 Division of Infectious Diseases at the Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, performs research on a wide range of infectious diseases using clinical, epidemiological and experimental approaches. Research and education are performed in close collaboration with the Department of Infectious Diseases at Karolinska University Hospital.

The Färnert research group focuses on understanding immunity to malaria with the overall aim of contributing to malaria vaccine development. The group is particularly interested in the immunity to highly diverse P. falciparum antigens and to identify combinations of antigens to which immune responses confer protection. Having developed a novel high throughput sequencing platform for polymorphic parasite antigens, we are now interested to investigate immune targets to further guide vaccine design. Studies are based on well characterized human cohorts in malaria endemic areas as well as travellers and migrants diagnosed with malaria in Sweden. The group consist of several research teams and expertise ranging from molecular biology, genomics, immunology, epidemiology and clinical aspects of infections.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Malaria remains a major global health problem and an efficacious vaccine is urgently needed. The aim of this PhD project is to improve the understanding of antibody mediated immunity to malaria focusing on polymorphic blood-stage antigens. The PhD student will investigate the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum antigens across different geographical areas, in relation to antibody and memory B cell responses and immunity. The goal is to identify a panel of blood stage antigens that can be exploited further into vaccine development. Methods will include long-read amplicon sequencing, bioinformatic and evolutionary analyses of Plasmodium blood-stage antigens, antigen engineering and recombinant expression, as well as antigen-specific serology and cellular immunology. The PhD student will, with the guidance of the supervisors, lead the project, generate original research ideas, plan and perform experimental lab work, analyse data, write scientific articles and present results at scientific 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

The group is seeking a highly motivated and ambitious PhD student. The candidate must hold a master of science (MSc) or equivalent in a related field. Previous experience in bioinformatics, molecular biology and immunological methods is a merit. The candidate is expected to be well organized and able to work independently. The project is pursued in an interdisciplinary environment with national and international collaborations with several research groups, and good collaborative skills are a requirement. Fluency in English is mandatory.

Terms and conditions

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

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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 Department of Medicine, Solna, consists of twelve divisions and each division consists of several research groups. The position is located within the research group Anna Färnert. The group is based at the research laboratories at BioClinicum on the Karolinska University Hospital site in Solna.

research group

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