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

The Department of Clinical Neuroscience conducts research and education in the field of neuroscience from the molecular to the society level. The candidate will work in Prof. Robert Harris’ Applied Immunology & Immunotherapy research group, physically located at Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM). The group develops novel immunotherapies aimed at treating a range of neurological diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, chronic Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and Glioblastoma brain tumors. We test a range of interventions, including nanoparticles and adoptive cell transfer, with a focus on modulating microglia dysfunctionality in experimental disease settings.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We are looking for a PhD student who shares our passion for myeloid cell and neurodegenerative disease research and who is highly motivated to collaborate as well as take responsibility for research projects. 

As a PhD student in our team, you will:

• work on the project entitled “NOVEL IMMUNOINTERVENTIONS FOR PROGRESSIVE NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES” supported by Karolinska Institutet Doctoral (KID) funding
• be actively involved in all stages of subproject planning
• conduct immunological, molecular and cell biology techniques as well as performing data analysis, interpretation and presentation
• conduct in vivo exploration in animal models of neuroinflammation/neurodegeneration
• develop comprehensive knowledge in the fields of neuroimmunology and immunotherapy
• work in close collaboration with scientists and physicians in the fields of immunology and neurology who will provide constant support and training
• develop strong communication and collaborative skills 

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

Absolute requirements

The successful candidate should have:

• good knowledge and understanding of cellular and molecular biology (minimum Bachelor level)
• strong interest in neurodegenerative diseases
• solid documented lab work experience (e.g. degree works, lab internships etc.)
• independent problem-solving and flexibility to conduct projects in parallel
• good interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently but also as part of a team
• good knowledge of spoken and written English

Preferred requirements

• FELASA B or equivalent certificate of animal handling
• demonstrated skills in flow cytometry
• demonstrated skills in primary cell culture

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.

Read more about the Department of Clinical Neuroscience  

Read more about Robert Harris research group

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