Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology

Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at Karolinska Institutet conduct research and teaching in immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. MTC has about 430 active employees, including 80 PhD students, 77 postdoctoral researchers and 32 professors. Key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, translational, national and international collaborations.

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.

For more information regarding doctoral (PhD) education, see: http://www.ki.se/doctoral.

Research group
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented person for dissecting the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating neural tumor development. The position is placed in Dr. Margareta Wilhelm’s Laboratory situated in the new Biomedicum building at Karolinska Institutet, in a strong medical research environment with extensive possibilities for interaction and support. More details about the group can be found at Margareta Wilhelm group.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student
Childhood neural tumors are thought to arise from stem or progenitor cells during development. We have generated iPS cells and neural stem cells through reprogramming of non-cancerous skin cells from patients with cancer-driving germline mutations. Our approach enables us to recapitulate all stages of tumor development, from initiation to late stages, thus providing novel models for studying cancer processes in relevant human cells (for an overview of the concept of using reprogramming to develop novel cancer models see review Marin Navarro et al. Cell Death Discovery, 2018, 4:7).

Specifically, the student will work within a projected aimed at understanding molecular mechanisms operating during medulloblastoma development with the goal to identified new potential therapeutic targets. The project will involve advanced stem cell culturing techniques and in vivo modeling, as well as statistical and bioinformatic analysis of sequencing and patient data. The candidate is expected to work within the general framework of the research project, but will be encouraged to contribute with ideas and proposals for experiments.

The PhD studies correspond to 4 years of full time studies and include laboratory work, general and project related research courses, active participation in seminars, participate in writing scientific papers, and to present results at seminars and meetings.

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 seeking a talented, enthusiastic person with an interest in tumor biology. The successful candidate should be self-motivated and has the ability to work productively and dynamically in a group. He/she is expected to actively contribute to both the practical and theoretical parts of the project, and to have excellent communication and organizational skills. Proficiency in oral and written English is necessary. Applicants should hold a masters' degree (or equivalent) in biology, pharmacology or another relevant life science. Excellent laboratory skills in molecular biology and cell culture are required. Previous experience in the research field, proficiency in human stem cell culture techniques and bioinformatics are seen as an advantage. Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

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.

Type of employment PhD placement
Contract type Full time
First day of employment According to agreement
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Solna
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number 2-3837/2019
Contact
  • Margareta Wilhelm, margareta.wilhelm@ki.se
Union representative
  • Henry Wölling, SEKO, henry.wolling@ki.se
  • Niklas Andersson, OFR, niklas.andersson@ki.se
  • Biborka Bereczky Veress, SACO, biborka.bveress@ki.se
Published 03.Jul.2019
Last application date 12.Jul.2019 11:59 PM CEST

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