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 Department of Oncology-Pathology is searching for a PhD student to work with Dr Ola Larsson to study the role of mRNA translation in resistance to endocrine therapy in breast cancer. More detail about the group can be found here.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

70-80% of breast cancer patients express estrogen receptor alpha (ER), a target for endocrine therapy, and show recurrence for 20 years. Upon recurrence, which leads to death, patients are resistant to endocrine therapy. Mechanisms underlying such resistance were largely elusive until mutations in the ER gene (ESR1, 10-50% of patients) were discovered. Regulation of gene expression via selective changes in mRNA translation may at least partly underlie such ESR1-dependent and/or independent endocrine therapy resistance. The goal of the doctoral project is to understand if, to what extent and how selective changes in mRNA translation leads to resistance to endocrine therapy. This may point towards new therapies. The project includes ample laboratory work applying molecular biology approaches. In addition, the project will generate large data sets whose analysis requires the student to apply statistical, bioinformatics and systems biology approaches to understand how mRNA translation is selectively modulated. Therefore, students with undergraduate studies including bioinformatics/biostatistics with an interest to also perform wet lab studies; or students with undergraduate studies in e.g. molecular biology or biomedicine with a strong interest in statistics and analyses of large data sets are best suited for this educational project.  The PhD student will perform experiments, analyze complex experimental data, interpret and present results and participate in the writing of scientific papers.

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

Applications are welcome from talented students with degrees in biostatistics, bioinformatics or equivalent with documented experience in molecular biology; or students with degrees in molecular biology or biomedicine with a strong interest in statistics and analyses of large data sets. An understanding of mRNA translation and/or cancer biology is an advantage. We are seeking a highly motivated and creative person. The candidate should have good communication skills and ability to interact effectively and work productively in a team. Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability. Excellent ability to express themselves in speech and writing in English is a requirement. A suitable candidate should possess good analytical skills and an ability of critical and independent thinking. During interviews the analytical skills, ability to critical and independent thinking as well as personal qualities will be evaluated.

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. We prefer that your application is written in English, but you can also apply in Swedish:

- A personal letter and a curriculum vitae 
- Degree projects and previous publications, if any 
- Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above 
- 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.

Department of Oncology-Pathology

Ola Larssons Group 

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

Type of employment PhD placement
Contract type Full time
First day of employment Spring 2021 (negotiable)
Reference number STÖD 2-5243/2020
Contact
  • Ola Larsson, ola.larsson@ki.se
Union representative
  • Helen Eriksson, OFR, 08-524 823 38
  • Andreas Lundqvist, SACO, 08-517 768 84
Published 02.Dec.2020
Last application date 02.Jan.2021 11:59 PM CET

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