PhD Position in Synthetic Nanoparticle-Based Targeted Gene Therapy

Do you want to contribute to better health for all?

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 El Andaloussi research group is situated at ANA Futura, division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM), institute for laboratory medicine, Karolinska Institutet. The group has expertise in nanoparticle formulation for the delivery of nucleic acid and gene editing tools to improve care of genetic diseases. The groups focus is on using extracellular vesicles (EVs), lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and other synthetic nanoparticles for the delivery of mRNA, CRISPR-Cas9 or Base Editor RNPs to edit genetic mutations in vitro and in vivo. We apply synthetic biology engineering and chemical conjugation strategies to design, optimize, and target advanced delivery systems.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

This doctoral project will be focused on utilizing nanoparticles, biologically or synthetically derived, for delivery of nucleic acids and gene editing complexes. It will further optimize the targeting of such platforms by chemical conjugation with recombinant proteins to enhance their performance. The doctoral student will take part in research-related activities such as group meetings, departmental seminars, as well as national/international meetings and conferences. Finally, the PhD student will achieve the course requirements of the PhD program as outlined in the relevant rules and documentation available at the ki.se website.

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 to recruit an ambitious candidate with an interest in biological and synthetic nanoparticle formulation for gene editing and nucleic acid delivery, and who possesses biotechnological expertise. The successful applicant needs to be fluent in English, have excellent communication skills, and the ability to interact and cooperate effectively in a team. The candidate must have experience working with gene editing tools, LNPs and synthetic nanoparticles, EVs engineering, as well as cloning and design of plasmids. Previous experience in flow cytometry, chemical conjugation of nanoparticles, and recombinant protein expression, as well as a degree in Medical Biotechnology, will be considered a merit.

Terms and conditions

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

Location: Flemingsberg

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.

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