Doctoral (PhD) student position in RNA structural biology using NMR (4 years) - 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

More than 50% of the human genome codes for non-coding RNA. These RNAs are ubiquitous among all life forms and the mechanisms how non-coding RNAs regulate these cellular functions are largely unknown.

Our research group is interested in understanding how RNAs change their structures in order to perform function. Until recently, only snapshots of molecules could be observed, hiding their mode of operation. We employ liquid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and other biophysical and biochemical techniques, to investigate the molecular mechanism of RNA function (Nature 2012, 2015 & 2020). When function of these molecular machines becomes apparent, it also provides a variety of unique new drug targets. The lab also develops methods in NMR and RNA biochemistry to address these questions.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The student will elucidate the dynamics of ribosomal RNA, including method development for NMR and sample preparation. The project includes large scale RNA production for structural characterization, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) elucidation and development of new methods in RNA biochemistry, NMR or computational tools for analysis. You will work in a team together with other lab members and regularly present the research work in lab-meetings, seminars and 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 a highly motivated, well organized, driven and enthusiastic person interested in our area of research, whom is ready to explore new avenues in science. The candidate should have a high degree of independence but should also show a collaborative approach to research and be able to work productively in a team. Experience with laboratory work in RNA biochemistry and previous work with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) or RNA structural biology are of great advantage. Fluency in English is a requirement (written and oral).

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; Experience with laboratory work in RNA biochemistry for structural sample preparation and previous work with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), python programming and RNA structural biology are of great advantage.
- 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.

Links

http://ki.se/en/mbb/katja-petzold-group & www.petzoldlab.com

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