Doctoral position (PhD) student position in inflammation research: The role of the Alarmin HMGB1 in stroke (KID funded) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

A doctoral position is an available doctoral education project to which a PhD student is to be recruited. After the selection process the process for admission to doctoral education will commence. An admission decision will not be taken until an individual study plan has been approved by the departmental admission board.

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

Research group
The Rheumatology unit conducts research in multiple aspects of chronic inflammation with emphasis on rheumatic diseases and their underlying immunological mechanisms. The laboratory part of the unit is located at the Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna. The research group of Erlandsson Harris focuses on molecular and cellular studies of the alarmin HMGB1 in inflammation in general and in rheumatic conditions as well as in stroke. The group is also dedicated to development of therapies based on HMGB1 neutralisation. Thus, the groups’ work spans from molecular techniques to analysis of patient cohorts and therapy development.

The doctoral education project and the duties of the student
The project will focus on the DAMP molecule HMGB1 and its role in the neuro-inflammatory process associated with stroke. Aspects of the inflammatory properties of HMGB1 and the therapeutic potential of HMGB1-targeted treatments will be studied using molecular- and cell biology techniques, immunohistochemistry, imaging and experimental animal models.

In addition to the main supervisor Professor Helena Erlandsson Harris, the student will also have two co-supervisors: Professor Staffan Holmin, KI and MD, PhD Karen Gretz, Charité University, Berlin, Germany. The successful candidate will take part in all research-related activities such as group meetings, departmental seminars, national/international meetings, as well as standard laboratory routines of the group. Finally, the PhD student will work to fulfil the course requirements of the PhD program as outlined in the relevant rules and documentation available at the ki.se website

Entry requirements for doctoral education at KI
To be eligible for doctoral education following requirements has to be met:

General entry requirements
A person meets the general entry requirements for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education (according to Higher Education Ordinance Chapt 7, section 39) if he/she:

1. has been awarded advanced/second-cycle/master qualification (i.e. master degree) or
2. has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle/master level, or
3. has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Specific entry requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the course English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school:
Proficiency in the English language can be documented by an internationally recognized test such as TOEFL or IELTS, see web-link below for more information.
Applicants who meet the general entry requirements (1 or 2 above) from a university in one of the Nordic countries fulfill the requirements in English.

For more information regarding general and specific entry requirements: http://ki.se/en/education/entry-requirements-eligibility-for-doctoral-education

Skills and personal qualities
Broad biomedical undergraduate training is desired.  Practical experience of laboratory work and in particular in immunology/Inflammation research settings is a useful merit. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who wants to work in a stimulating co-operative environment to address the role of HMGB1 in stroke-associated inflammation. You should like team-work, yet be prepared to assume responsibility in the project and fulfil the requirements of the doctoral training programme.  The daily working environment will include animal handling, in vitro analysis of obtained tissues and cell culture work. Methodology includes immunohistochemistry, FACS, ELISA, CBA, recombinant protein production and purification. It is therefore a merit if the applicant already is familiar with these techniques and has experience in HMGB1 biology research. 

Assessment criteria
A selection will be made among qualified applicants on the basis of the ability to benefit from doctoral education. 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

The qualifications of the applicants will be evaluated on an overall basis.

Terms and conditions
The most common way of financial support for doctoral students at KI is doctoral grant the first year and a doctoral studentship (doctoral employment) for year 2, 3 and 4. During the time between recruitment and admission a short-term employment can be offered for up to 6 months.

Application process
An application must contain the following documents in Swedish or English:

• A personal letter and curriculum vitae
• A copy of degree certificates and associated certificates
• A copy of degree projects and any previous publications

The application is to be submitted through the MyNetwork recruitment system.