Doctoral (PhD) student position in Neurodegeneration - 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
The research group of Jaan Olle Andressoo, located in Campus Flemingsberg at the Division of Neurogeriatrics, seeks a Doctoral (PhD) student in the field of neuroscience.

The Division of Neurogeriatrics consits of 16 research groups and approximately 90 employees where of approximately 20 are PhD students. At our division we investigate neurodegenerative disorders from different perspec­tives, emphasizing the integration of basic neuroscience research with clinical research and molecular genetics. The laboratory’s goal is to develop novel therapeutic approaches within neurodegenerative diseases by creating tools, which allow increasing endogenous gene expression.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student
In this position you will be part of an innovative project where we aim to conditionally enhance the function of several genes of interest to model and treat neurodegenerative disease. Recently we have made great progress in this direction by showing that it is possible to use CRE-FLEX and CRISPR-Cas9 systems to conditionally upregulate endogenous gene expression limited to naturally expressing cells.

We are now looking for a PhD student to study upregulation of endogenous genes in mouse models using both available and very recently created new knock-in mouse lines of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson`s disease (PD) and eventually Alzheimer`s disease (AD). We will also use AAV delivery of CRE and various CRISPR-Cas systems to upregulate endogenous gene expression.

The candidate will in collaboration with other team members identify and formulate scientific ideas critically and creatively; plan, execute, understand and discuss research questions, methodologies, results and interpretations within a given timeframe; present research findings effectively to the group as well as to national and international research community.

The successful candidate will first analyse how constitutive increase of endogenous glial cell line- derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) influences ALS pathology in an ALS mouse model. Second, the candidate will analyse how adult onset increase in endogenous GDNF expression influences pathology in a PD model. Finally, to gain deeper insight into AD etiology, the candidate will analyse how adult onset increase in endogenous APP carrying three patient derived mutations influences AD pathology and how beta-amyloid miss-folding spreads in adult brain. In parallel, the PhD candidate will analyse how enhancing other genes known to modulate AD phenotypes influence AD outcome. 

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 successful candidate has experience in at least some of the following techniques: cell culturing, molecular cloning, CRISPR-Cas system, DNA, RNA and protein isolation, PCR, QPCR+data analysis, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, HE staining, microscopy imaging, mouse behavioural analysis, mouse perfusion, stereotactic injection, AAV delivery. The ability to work in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment and to engage in continuous professional development is a must.

An EU accepted license to work with animals such as FELASA C is an advantage. Prior experience in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson`s disease, Alzheimer`s disease, ALS is also considered an advantage.

- Applicant should have a high personal drive and motivation
- Applicant should have a strong collaborative attitude and good social skills
- Applicant should have innovative thinking and a high level of independence
- Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability

The working language is English.

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.

Jaan-Olle Andressoo research group

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