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.

Division

The Division of Pediatric Oncology and Surgery is a prestigious research division consisting of two units, the Childhood Cancer Research Unit and the Pediatric Surgery Research Unit, at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health. The Childhood Cancer Research Unit has several research groups working on preclinical, translational, clinical and psychosocial studies of childhood cancer and hematological diseases. The goal of the division is to increase knowledge about childhood cancer and thereby be able to develop better treatments, and improve diagnostics and monitoring tools for children with cancer and severe blood disorders, as well as provide better support in the care of patients and families.

The research Group

The NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm is part of the Childhood Cancer Research Unit and located in the new research lab at BioClinicum. The main research focus of this group is related to reproductive biology, with special interest in stem cell research as well as fertility preservation in children subjected to high gonadotoxic treatments.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

To date, the details of development of human testicular somatic microenvironment as well as spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche formation are poorly understood, mainly due to the lack of experimental models and clinical material. The research material, covering all critical developmental time points from foetal to post-pubertal ages, as well as techniques available in our group, provide a unique opportunity to study different aspects of germ cell development in humans. Therefore, the expected results obtained in this project, focusing on the establishment of novel approaches to study gonadal somatic cell maturation and SSC niche formation in vitro combined with the evaluation of in vivo data, will gain knowledge in the field of reproductive medicine. This knowledge is a start point to provide a clinical possibility to generate mature spermatozoa as potential fertility preservation for boys and men, in risk of subfertility.

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 and engaged candidate with a degree in Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Biology, Medicine, or similar fields. Earlier demonstrated experience in cell culture, molecular biology techniques and immunohistology and histology in general will be beneficial. Furthermore, the candidate should be curiosity driven, methodical, honest and passionate for science. She/he should able to work both independently and as part of the team. Good written and verbal communication skills in English are required. The applicant will be evaluated based on education and previous experience as well as 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.

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.

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