Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neuroscience

The Department of Neuroscience includes several research groups working on different aspects of nervous system function, both under normal conditions and in various disease states. Research projects include a broad range of studies on the molecular and cellular levels, networks of neurons, and the organization of the nervous system as a whole. The Department has a flat organization with 40 research group leaders, of which 24 are full professors, and 65 PhD students.

Teaching represents a fundamental activity at the Department, which participates in several undergraduate courses and postgraduate education programs. Each year approximately 15 students receive their PhD from our Department and many of our graduates have gone onto distinguished careers in the academic or private sector.

A doctoral student is admitted to third-cycle/doctoral education. A doctoral education consists of supervised research, combined with courses and other educational activities. An individual study plan is established for each doctoral student. For a doctoral degree, the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education is required.

Background
The Department of Neuroscience is together with Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine (MWLC) recruiting a student for doctoral education. The position is located at MWLC in Hong Kong. For more information regarding doctoral education at Karolinska Institutet (KI), visit our web page

MWLC aims to contribute to the improvement of human health by conducting cutting-edge research in reparative medicine and related subjects, by creating a new platform for synergies between academia and innovation in Sweden and Hong Kong as well as China, and fostering future leaders in both academia and industry

Research group
The current research of Assistant Professor Sijie Chen aims at developing novel fluorescence-based tools and technology for biological research.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student
The doctoral student is expected to pursue projects regarding new technologies for brain staining and imaging. This includes technical skills regarding tissue staining, immunostaining, optical clearing techniques as well as advanced imaging techniques, such as super resolution imaging, along with a strong theoretical knowledge of neurobiology in addition to fluorescent materials, biomedical engineering and bioimaging. A strong motivation is expected.

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.

Skills and personal qualities
To realistically pursue the intended projects, a basic training in biomedical engineering and previous experience with tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning, staining and fluorescence microscopy is required. Experience in silver staining of the brain slides, optical clearing of biological tissue or image analysis and processing is a strong merit.

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

The assignment is located at MWLC, Hong Kong, and the employment will follow local labour laws in Hong Kong.

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.

Your application should contain the following documents in English:

  • 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.

KI 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.

Type of employment PhD placement
Contract type Full time
Reference number 2-3527/2019
Contact
  • Sijie Chen, +852 2624 3811
  • Ola Hermanson, 08-524 877 91
Published 10.Oct.2019
Last application date 31.Oct.2019 11:59 PM CET

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