Doctoral (PhD) student position in skin inflammatory diseases research - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

A doctoral student is admitted to third-cycle/doctoral education. A doctoral education consists of supervised research, combined with courses and other educational activities. An individual study plan is established for each doctoral student. For a doctoral degree, the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education is required.

Research group

The research at the Unit of Systems toxicology at IMM covers basic mechanistic research in cell and in animal models as well as analysis of epidemiological data and mathematical modelling of how different environmental exposures, including environmental and endogenous microbes and chemicals, affect human wellbeing. With a focus on gene-environment interactions at epithelial barriers, we are primarily interested in understanding how exposures to external agents impacts on barrier function, immunity and systemic immune responses. Our aim is to integrate multi-omics approaches to uncover the mechanisms behind the factors linking environmental exposures with immune system activation or immune tolerance.       

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The research focus of the advertised post will be on chemical exposures, and the search for biomarkers using omics approaches for the development of new a diagnostic method for differentiation between allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. The research will include investigation of immune responses in vivo and in vitro, using simple and advanced cell systems, cutting edge methods of molecular biology and imaging, as well as bioinformatics. The task also includes preparation of ethics applications, coordination of patient sampling, and sample logistics. The project is funded by FORTE, and will be conducted in collaboration with the University of Lund, Sweden, the University of Helsinki and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in Helsinki, Finland, and Heinrich-Heine University in Dusseldorf, Germany.

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 master degree in biomedical sciences, toxicology, or a corresponding, relevant area. Experience in laboratory work, including cell assays and methods of molecular biology (RNA isolation, ELISA, immunohistochemistry), excellent use of standard computer programs, basic knowledge of programming (eg R) and data analysis are highly desirable. Excellent skills in written and spoken English, as well as an ability to interact socially and scientifically with other researchers and students, are essential.  

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.

KI 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.