Doctoral (PhD) student position in Mitochondrial Genetics - 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.

Division/Research group 
The Division of Molecular Metabolism (http://ki.se/en/mbb/research-divisionof-molecular-metabolism), Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics (http://ki.se/en/mbb), is located at the Biomedicum laboratory at Solna campus of Karolinska Institutet. The research at the Division of Molecular Metabolism aims at understanding the regulation of mitochondrial function and the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in disease. The current research encompasses biochemical and genetic studies of patients with inherited diseases as well as basic scientific approaches to understand the regulation of mtDNA expression and other aspects of mitochondrial metabolism. Both patient material (tissues and cells) and genetically modified fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) and mice (Mus musculus) are used in these studies. The overall aim of the Division of Molecular Metabolism is to combine these different areas of research to get insights into disease pathophysiology and to develop novel treatments.

The Division of Molecular Metabolism offers an outstanding research environment and a close interaction between basic science and clinical science and diagnostics at the Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases (CMMS) at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. The newly founded Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing - Karolinska Institutet Laboratory (MPI-KI laboratory) is also integrated into our laboratory. Excellent access to the most advanced resources in molecular and cell biology is available at the department and at the national core facilities at the Science for Life Laboratory (https://www.scilifelab.se).

We are currently looking for a highly motivated PhD student, to join the research group of Nils-Göran Larsson.

The doctoral education project and the duties of the student 
Studies of the regulation of mitochondrial function with special focus on expression of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Mitochondria are essential for cell function and mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in a variety of hereditary diseases, normal ageing and age-related diseases and correct expression of mtDNA is essential for normal mitochondrial function. Using mouse and fly models, molecular biology and biochemistry, the group of Nils-Göran Larsson focuses on understanding basic molecular processes involved in regulating mitochondrial function as well as the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on disease and ageing. In this project we aim at understanding fundamental mechanisms whereby the expression of the mitochondrial genome is regulated. The PhD student is expected to plan, execute, and analyse experiments in an independent manner and contribute scientifically to the group.

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

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a Master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or biotechnology and previous experience of work in mitochondrial genetics. Previous experience with the following techniques is advantageous: mammalian cell culture work, animal experimentation, experimental work with radioactivity, Southern, northern and western blots, DNA/RNA/mitochondria isolations, identification of protein-protein interactions using BioID, and microbiological work. Good knowledge on mitochondrial replication and practical experience of characterization of proteins involved in this process is advantageous.

Skills and personal qualities 
Good documentation skills are required. Experience from international research settings is a strong merit. The successful candidate should be able and willing to work in a team to pursue his/her research. Personal suitability is of great importance when evaluating the applicants.

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.

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 
• Proof of English proficiency

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