Karolinska Institutet,

The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) is a department with a strong focus on basic science. CMB conducts research and education in cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, cancer and infection biology.

We are recruiting a student for doctoral education.

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

Research group
We are studying regeneration mechanisms in a cross-species comparative context using both amphibians and mice as models. We have developed several novel methods, which allow characterization of cell replacement and repair of degenerating tissues at the molecular level. We also place our findings into an evolutionary context. For more information, please visit www.simonlab.se

The doctoral education project and the duties of the student
The proposed project aims to understand the role of a novel cell type characterized by upregulation of microRNAs and transposable elements in the salamander limb and heart regeneration. The PhD student will characterize the small RNA profile of the tissues before and after injury, develop optogenetic cell ablation methods to investigate the function of the cell type of interest and probe for the release of exosomal cargoes containing small RNAs.
The primary goal is to delineate molecular mechanisms underlying the excellent regenerative capacity of salamanders. The laboratory methods employed will include small animal surgeries, single cell small RNA sequencing, in situ hybridization, CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing and optogenetics. The PhD student will devote most of the time to laboratory studies. In addition the student will be expected to analyze data, present results in meetings and write scientific manuscripts. Coursework pertaining PhD and teaching will also be required within the PhD-studies at KI.

Entry requirements for doctoral education at KI
To be eligible for doctoral education, the following requirements have 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
  1. has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

For more information regarding the general entry requirements, please see:
https://ki.se/en/phd/entry-requirements-eligibility-for-doctoral-education

Specific entry requirements 
Proficiency in English equivalent to the course English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school. Applicants who meet the general entry requirements (1 or 2 above) from a university in one of the Nordic countries fulfill the English language requirement.

For information on how other applicants can certify their English proficiency (such as through IELTS or TOEFL, previous upper secondary or university level studies), please see:
https://ki.se/en/phd/entry-requirements-eligibility-for-doctoral-education

State here any other formal entry requirements, beside the above, that an applicant must have to be considered for this project.

Skills and personal qualities
We are looking for a highly motivated and talented individual who has the maturity and desire to work independently as well as in a group setting. The day-today studies are very much laboratory based and requires self-motivation. On the other hand, the research group has multiple ongoing collaborative projects and as such the applicant must have strong communication skills. A background in molecular, cellular and developmental biology is a requirement.

Meriting skills

  • Cell culture
  • FACS
  • Molecular cloning
  • Small RNA profiling
  • Animal surgery
  • Cryo-sectioning and immunofluorescence staining
  • Animal model development
  • Interpreting Echocardiography and MRI data
  • Previous research experience in a cardiovascular research laboratory

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
All doctoral students at KI receive financial support during their doctoral education and employment on a doctoral studentship is the most common sort of support.

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

  • A personal letter and a curriculum vitae
  • Academic degree diplomas, transcripts of records in original language and, if applicable, authorised translations
  • Copies of degree projects and any previous publications
  • Proof of English proficiency as stated in the specific requirement above

All documents certifying the entry requirements must be scans of originals (scans of copies or certified copies will not be accepted). The scanned documents must be in color and both the front and the back of the documents must be scanned. Please note that there are specific documentation requirements for a number countries, please read the instructions at:

https://ki.se/en/phd/entry-requirements-eligibility-for-doctoral-education

The application and supporting documents are to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

Type of employment PhD placement
Contract type Full time
Reference number 2-2854/2018
Contact
  • Prof. Andras Simon, Andras.Simon@ki.se
Union representative
  • Magnus Anå, OFR, 08-524 864 37, magnus.ana@ki.se
  • Biborka Bereczky Veress, SACO, 46 70-173 85 75 , biborka.bveress@ki.se
  • Elisabeth Valenzuela, SEKO, 08-524 863 53, elisabeth.valenzuela@ki.se
Published 23.May.2018
Last application date 13.Jun.2018 11:59 PM CEST

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