The Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery (MMK) carries out both preclinical and clinical research within numerous fields. Linked to the department are approximately 450 researchers, postgraduate students, teachers and technical & administrative staff and we currently have about 150 PhD students. The department is conducting undergraduate courses for medical students, physiotherapist students, biomedicine students and biomedical laboratory students.

Do you want to contribute to better health for all?


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 position is in the Rare Diseases research group, in team for congenital skeletal disorders. We study genetic disorders on a molecular level in order to understand disease mechanisms and apply new knowledge to genetic diagnostics. We work in a modern laboratory at the Bioclinicum building situated within the grounds of the Karolinska University Hospital, Solna. Several group members also work in the Department of Clinical Genetics at the hospital, the largest clinical genetic department in Sweden with 90 employees working with genetic diagnosis and counseling. We also work closely with the Science for Life Laboratory in Solna, and thus have access to massively parallel DNA sequencing (MPS) with all available technologies. We are currently developing in vitro modeling assays in cells to evaluate genetic mutations detected in patients.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student
We are looking for a motivated person with a background in molecular and developmental biology. The successful applicant will be involved in the analysis massive parallel DNA and RNA sequencing data from patients and families with suspected rare genetic diseases as well as molecular genetic follow up of results. The selected applicant will study molecular and cellular consequences of genetic abnormalities causing congenital skeletal disorders. Experience in working with skeletal tissues/disease models is therefore desired. This project provides the opportunity to participate in a translational project that will have direct clinical impact.

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
A degree within the area of biomedical research or corresponding area is required.
We are seeking a new group member with an interests in the following key areas:
1) Analysis of OMICs data (RNA and/or DNA)
2) Molecular Biology/Cell Biology: Knowledge in basic molecular techniques specifically molecular gene cloning, in vitro mRNA synthesis and gene expression assays including PCR, RT-PCR, and qRT-PCR, as well as Western Blot protein analysis.
3) Image acquisition and analysis: Knowledge in immunofluorescent and confocal microscopy, image processing and analysis, including statistical analysis.
Applicants should have prior experience/training in these model systems/areas. The applicant will be evaluated based on education and previous experience, relevance for the project, motivation, problem solving skills, and cooperative ability. Personal suitability is also an important criterion.

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.


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

Type of employment PhD placement
Contract type Full time
Salary Månadslön
Reference number 2-6322/2019
Contact
  • Giedre Grigelioniene, giedre.grigelioniene@ki.se
Union representative
  • Biborka Bereczky Veress, SACO, 46 70-173 85 75
  • Virpi Töhönen, SACO, virpi.thononen@ki.se
  • Elisabeth Noren-Krog, OFR, elisabeth.noren-krog@ki.se
Published 10.Dec.2019
Last application date 22.Dec.2019 11:59 PM CET

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