Doctoral (PhD) student position in in properties of peripheral memory CD8 T cells - 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 doctoral studies will be performed in the lab of Assistant Professor Carmen Gerlach (www.gerlachlab.com). Our research is directed at understanding basic cellular and molecular principles governing T cell responses to acute infections and cancer. We strive to understand mechanisms underlying the generation, maintenance and consequences of the heterogeneity within the T cell immune response, with a special focus on CD8 T cells

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student
This doctoral project focuses on the molecular mechanisms responsible for the properties of the peripheral memory population. It involves work with murine and human primary T cells, animal models, flow cytometry, cell sorting and transcriptional analysis.

The successful applicant is required to be able to work both independently, and as a collaborative and helpful team member. The doctoral student is expected to plan, perform, analyse and document experiments, and to communicate the results within and outside of the research group. The duties furthermore include colony maintenance, actively taking part in research meetings and journal clubs, and contributing to the well functioning of the local research environment.

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, enthusiastic, ambitious, technically skilled and well-planned person with a critical mind, a collaborative, team-oriented and collegial attitude, and a strong drive to pursue a career in science. A personal fit into the team is of importance. Perseverance in working towards goals, and a proactive and problem-solving attitude is required. Also a positive attitude towards giving and receiving feedback to promote development, and open communication about experimental aspects that did not go according to plan is required. The position furthermore requires dedication to the project, and a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Desired merits:

• previous research experience in international research environments, ideally from different labs (e.g. from internships/thesis work)
• prior education and training in Laboratory Animal Science
• experience in mouse handling and dissection
• teaching experience

Necessary merits:

• Master degree in Biomedicine, Immunology, Molecular Biology or similar
• excellent communication skills in spoken and written English
• good theoretical knowledge of T cell immunology
• ability to work and collaborate in a highly dynamic international research team and larger research environment
• independence in executing experimental work, and previous experience in designing experimental protocols (under supervision)
• experience in flow cytometry (staining, controls, manual compensation, analysis) and primary immune cell handling
• experience in molecular biological techniques such as real-time qPCR or other methods to address transcriptional states
  

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. 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.

Location
The position is located at the Division of Rheumatology, within the Department of Medicine, Solna. The department consists of twelve divisions and each division consists of several research groups. The position is located within the research group of Carmen Gerlach. The lab is physically located at the Center for Molecular Medicine, CMM at the Solna Campus of the Karolinska University Hospital.

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