Doctoral (PhD) student position in molecular immunology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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 doctoral student position is now available in the pediatric rheumatology group led by Professor Helena Erlandsson Harris (https://www.cmm.ki.se/web/guest/helena-erlandsson-harris-grupp). The Erlandsson Harris laboratory is located at the Center for Molecular Medicine, a research center with excellent immunological research, shared infrastructure for advanced technology platforms and active interdisciplinary collaborations. Ongoing research is focused on understanding immunomolecular mechanisms active in inflammatory diseases, with a focus on juvenile arthritis and the alarmin HMGB1. Our laboratory and its surroundings offers a creative, collaborative and supportive environment full of expertise, curiosity and dedication. Between our lab members, collaborators and PhD co-supervisors we offer the student a wide range of competences and technical skills to learn from. 

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student
The doctoral student will perform a project to identify cytoplasmic interaction partners of the alarmin HMGB1, and to delineate the molecular pathways implicated by these HMGB1 interactome studies. This involves both experimental approaches and validation studies in patient material. More specifically, cell lines will be transfected with BioID-tagged HMGB1, the interactome defined by LC-MS/MS and molecular pathways delineated and verified in cell cultures. The validity of the findings will be verified in primary cells obtained from arthritis patients. The student will take advantage of the common lab set-ups, knowledge and support, but will work independently. The candidate will acquire basic as well as specialized knowledge and understanding of alarmin functions and its role in inflammatory disease (arthritis) and cancer. The candidate is expected to take a strong lead in the project’s design, experimentation, data analysis and interpretation as well as presentation/publication of the research. The duties also include working in a team and support the team activities, keep up with the literature, present data, and attend seminars, lab meetings and journal clubs while adhering to high scientific standards.

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 a highly motivated candidate, with a strong scientific drive and who preferably holds a degree in the areas of Molecular Biology, Biomedicine or Biochemistry. The applicant should have experience from working in a research lab. Knowledge of cell culture, molecular cloning, BioID-technology, protein analysis by Western blotting and immunocytochemistry is a requirement. Proven work with protein databases and pathway analysis tools are advantageous. Previous experience of molecular cancer research and arthritis research are not required but will be consider assets. A strong interest in molecular immunology, translational medicine as well as commitment to a continuous professional development are important.  

The ideal candidate should be scientifically curiosity-driven with a wish to work in a translation environment. He or she should bring independent and original ideas into the project, yet being receptive to supervision and adhering to the study plan. Ambitious students with an ability to work efficiently are especially encouraged to apply. Any previous records of laboratory research are advantageous. Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment and good communication skills (proficiency in spoken and written English) are necessary.

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

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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.

Location
The position is located within the Department of Medicine, Solna. The department consists of twelve divisions and each division consists of several research groups. The position is located within the research group of Professor Helena Erlandsson Harris, included in the Rheumatology division, at the Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Campus Solna. CMM provides an open and international research environment with excellent immunology and inflammation research, excellent in-house infrastructure and access to daily activities such as seminars and lectures by world-leading scientists, technology sessions, discussion lunches. Journal clubs etc.

https://www.cmm.ki.se/web/guest/helena-erlandsson-harris-grupp

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