Karolinska Institutet, the Department of Medicine, Huddinge

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

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.

Department of Medicine Huddinge
The Department of Medicine at Huddinge comprises seven units, three research centers, and around 70 independent research groups. The Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM) is a unit within the department, with a focus on basic and translational studies within the field of normal and malignant hematology, hematopoietic stem cell function, immunology and cell therapies.

Research group
The group of Sören Lehmann is a translational research group focusing on AML spanning from basic science to clinical trials. Both clinicians and basic researchers are active in the group. The focus is on epigenetic dysregulation in AML with an overall aim to better understand epigenetic dysregulation in AML and to develop new treatment strategies based on epigenetic changes in leukemia cells.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student
The epigenetic machinery is often perturbed in AML and contributes to leukomogenesis via different mechanisms. However, the role of ncRNA and how that relates to development of leukemia as well as to other epigenetic mechanisms such as the 3-dimensional (3D) nuclear organization in AML development is still unclear. ncRNAs may play an active role in leukemogenesis and may provide a novel avenue for drug targeting in AML. Increased knowledge about the aberrant epigenetic machinery and how that interacts with ncRNA will help us to better understand the mechanisms that give rise to AML. The doctoral project will aim to elucidate the role of ncRNA and its relation to other epigenetic regulators in AML.

The candidate will learn how to identify and formulate scientific issues, and will plan, execute, understand and discuss research questions, methodologies, and results. An essential part of the work is also to communicate research findings, including writing manuscripts and presenting data to the group as well as to the broader research community, e.g. at international conferences.

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.

Skills and personal qualities
We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated, and socially skilled candidate that enjoys working in a collaborative environment. Prior experiences in hematology, AML biology, epigenetics, drug treatment, cell culture, molecular biology and biochemistry are advantageous. Applicants wishing to integrate computational and experimental biology approaches are especially encouraged to apply. Since the applicant will work in a highly international environment good communication skills (proficiency in spoken and written English) are important.

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

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:

- A personal letter and a curriculum vitae (Swedish or English)
- Degree projects and previous publications, if any (Swedish or English)
- Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above (Swedish or English)
- 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.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all

Type of employment PhD placement
Contract type Full time
First day of employment According to agreement
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Huddinge
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number STÖD 2-2869/2020
Contact
  • Sören Lehmann, soren.lehmann@ki.se
Union representative
  • Belinda Pannagel, SACO, Belinda.pannagel@ki.se
  • Carina Eklund, OFR, Carina.eklund@ki.se
Published 25.Jun.2020
Last application date 16.Jul.2020 11:59 PM CEST

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