Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?


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

A PhD position is open in Prof. George Rassidakis’ research group.

The Department of Oncology-Pathology provides an excellent environment for doctoral education in Karolinska Institutet. Our research group includes the group leader who is an internationally recognized and well established researcher in the field of lymphoma biology and pathology, an experienced senior post-doctoral fellow, a research associate and undergraduate and graduate students. In addition, the expertise of co-supervisors and collaborators covers a wide spectrum of research including molecular biology and immunobiology, hematopathology, pediatric oncology and hematology-oncology. The research group has many national and international collaborations on ongoing projects as well as collaborations with research facilities including the Clinical Genomics lab at SciLifeLab (mutation analysis of T-cell lymphomas), the Affymetrics Core facility (Oncoscan and miRNA arrays) and the research facility (PUC) of the Department of Pathology and Cytology at Karolinska University Hospital (tissue microarray construction, FISH, immunohisto-chemistry, DNA/RNA preparation, etc.). In addition, the doctoral (PhD) student will have interaction with Clinicians (Hematologists, Oncologists) as well as basic scientists at Bioclinicum who work on common projects with the applicant's group, which further contributes to a broader, highly educational environment.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The PhD studies correspond to 4 years of full-time studies. The research program for this PhD position will include laboratory-based work, as well as scientific writing and courses, seminars and presentations. The doctoral (PhD) student will join our research group at the Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet (Solna) and will work in our research laboratory located at Bioclinicum (J6-20) together with other team members. The project will focus on the regulation of anti-tumor responses in certain lymphoma types, particularly on the role of SAMHD1 / cGAS-STING pathway. The overall goal is to translate the knowledge acquired from this project in novel combination therapies including targeted therapy and immunotherapy in lymphomas. The combination of hypothesis-driven, mechanistic (in vitro and in vivo) studies and prognostic analyses provide a bench to the clinic approach that makes this project most suitable for doctoral education. Moreover, the successful PhD student will gain remarkable experience in a variety of methods, from whole genome analyses to very focused mechanistic, translational and prognostic studies, which will be very advantageous for a doctoral thesis.

The doctoral student will have a major role in performing the largest part of the research project under the guidance of the supervisor. The doctoral student will acquire broad knowledge and understanding of lymphoma classification (including specific molecular markers and cytogenetics), biology and prognosis. In particular, the student will get a great deal of knowledge of the mechanisms of lymphomagenesis and the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor responses in lymphoma and regulation of immune checkpoint. The successful student will learn how to design and perform experiments, carry out scientific analysis and synthesis, formulate hypotheses, justify research ethics related to the project and present and discuss science and research results in national and international meetings and 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

The student should have a medical/biomedical background with very strong interest in the field of hematologic malignancies. Very good knowledge of cancer biology and pathology would be an asset. Documented previous laboratory experience, preferably at the post-graduate level, is necessary.

Previous experience in translational research in the field of lymphoma/leukemia pathology, biology and prognosis is highly desirable. Ideally this research would be documented with relevant presentations in major international congresses or publications. Clinical experience in pathology would be advantageous for this project. Good knowledge of basic statistical methods is also desirable.

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.

Department of Oncology-Pathology 

Prof. George Rassidakis' publications

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 2020-09-01
Reference number STÖD 2-2988/2020
Contact
  • George Rassidakis, +46-708517667, georgios.rassidakis@ki.se
Union representative
  • Helen Eriksson, OFR, 08-524 823 38
  • Andreas Lundqvist, SACO, 08-517 768 84
Published 30.Jun.2020
Last application date 20.Jul.2020 11:59 PM CEST

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