Karolinska Institutet, Institutionen för fysiologi och farmakologi

At the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology we teach and conduct internationally acclaimed, high-quality research in Physiology, Pharmacology, Anesthesiology and Intensive care. We have around 400 employees, 30 research groups, and 90 doctoral students. Our research fields include cellular signaling, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, neuropsychopharmacology, neuroinflammation, pharmacogenetics, regenerative medicine, Renal System, anesthesiology and intensive care, muscle physiology and pain. Our collaboration with the clinics at Karolinska University Hospital provides unique opportunities for translational research within our subjects. More information about research at http://ki.se/fyfa_english

A doctoral position is an available doctoral education project to which a PhD student is to be recruited. After the selection process the process for admission to doctoral education will commence. An admission decision will not be taken until an individual study plan has been approved by the departmental admission board.

For more information regarding doctoral (PhD) education, see: http://www.ki.se/doctoral

The doctoral education project and the duties of the student
This research proposal has been designed for a PhD student to develop skills and knowledge on tinnitus, the phantom perception of sounds, a condition that affects 15% of the population. By integrating epidemiology and genetics in a multidisciplinary approach and thanks to excellent opportunities for cooperation with an international network of tinnitus experts, and active participation in the training activities within ESIT, the student will embrace interdisciplinary aspects of his study and work in close hands with clinics and pharmaceuticals. This project offers an enriching educational environment for a PhD student in an emerging field.

To learn more about this interdisciplinary team formed by leading European auditory laboratories and companies from 10 EU states, please http://esit.tinnitusresearch.net/index.php

Until recently, the genetic contributions to tinnitus have been underestimated. The laboratory recently found that tinnitus experienced in the two ears (bilateral tinnitus) has a high heritability (68%), which offers a solid basis to establish the genetic underpinnings of specific subtypes of tinnitus. With this aim in mind, the project will consist in performing whole exome sequencing (WES) and genome wide association studies (GWAS) in deeply characterized cohorts of tinnitus subjects and larger national cohorts. In parallel, epidemiological studies will be performed to extract potential causative factors to specific forms of tinnitus.

The applicant is expected to have a strong interest in bioinformatics with strong knowledge in biostatistics, and experience in handling genome databases and browsers. Previous experience in a laboratory of human genetics is strongly recommended. The research education will take place in a creative environment in close collaboration with other PhD students, postdocs and researchers. The applicant is expected to actively perform research and to analyze and present results.

Research Group
The Division of Experimental Audiology performs research on different aspects of hearing disorders and tinnitus – from molecule to patient. Our research group investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying hearing loss and tinnitus using a battery of physiological and molecular techniques, in animals and humans. The group works in an inspiring and interactive research environment at Karolinska Institutet’s Campus Solna and has on-going collaborative projects with national and international colleagues.

The ITN-ESIT Network
The position is one of the 15 PhD positions funded as part of the ESIT Marie Sklodowska-Curie European Training Network funded by the European Commission (www.esit.tinnitusresearch.org). ESIT stands for European School of Interdisciplinary Tinnitus research. This EU funded Marie Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) is a twelve nation Consortium including academic and industrial partners aimed at i) understanding tinnitus heterogeneity, ii) improving its clinical management, diagnosis, and iii) harmonize outcome measures. Partners include leading tinnitus clinicians and researchers, pharmaceutical and industries. The successful applicant will join a group of 15 PhD students selected to participate in this trans-European scientific innovative training program where courses and project secondments will take place in the European partner organizations including Sweden (Stockholm), UK (Nottingham), the Netherlands (Groningen, Maastricht), Spain (Granada), Germany (Regensburg, Ulm), Austria (Salzburg), France (Marseille), Poland (Lodz), Switzerland (Zurich) and Italy (Milan).

Entry requirements for doctoral education at KI
To be eligible for doctoral education following requirements has to be met:

General entry requirements
A person meets the general entry requirements for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education (according to Higher Education Ordinance Chapt 7, section 39) if he/she:

  1. has been awarded advanced/second-cycle/master qualification (i.e. master degree) or
  2. has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle/master level, or
  3. has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Specific entry requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the course English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school:
Proficiency in the English language can be documented by an internationally recognized test such as TOEFL or IELTS, see web-link below for more information.
Applicants who meet the general entry requirements (1 or 2 above) from a university in one of the Nordic countries fulfill the requirements in English.

For more information regarding general and specific entry requirements: http://ki.se/en/education/entry-requirements-eligibility-for-doctoral-education

Skills and personal qualities
The applicant must be efficient, thorough, an excellent communicator in written and oral English, have experience from laboratory work, be flexible, have collaborating skills and enjoy working in an international and dynamic team.

Assessment criteria
A selection will be made among qualified applicants on the basis of the ability to benefit from doctoral education. 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

The qualifications of the applicants will be evaluated on an overall basis.

Terms and conditions
Candidates must have less than 4 years of full time equivalent research experience at the time of recruitment. At the time of recruitment, the applicant must not have worked or studied more than 12 months during the previous 36 months in Sweden. Women and disabled applicants are encouraged to apply.

Application process
An application must contain the following documents in Swedish or English:

  • A personal letter and curriculum vitae
  • A copy of degree certificates and associated certificates
  • A copy of degree projects and any previous publications
  • Recommendation Letters (two or more)

The application is to be submitted through the MyNetwork recruitment system.

Type of employment PhD placement
Contract type Full time
First day of employment In agreement
Reference number 2-2371/2017
Contact
  • Christopher Cederroth,, Christopher.Cederroth@ki.se
Union representative
  • Göran Engberg, SACO, 08-524 867 17
  • Magnus Anå, OFR, 08-524 864 37, magnus.ana@ki.se
  • Henry Wölling, SEKO, 08-524 840 80, henry.wolling@ki.se
Published 15.May.2017
Last application date 10.Jul.2017 11:59 PM CEST

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