Doctoral student position in mechanism investigation and new treatment development for Alzheimer disease

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

As a doctoral student, you will become part of an active, interdisciplinary and internationally collaborative research environment at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) at Karolinska Institutet.

The project is integrated into the research group of Lars Tjernberg, which focuses on investigating disease mechanisms in Alzheimer disease and developing novel therapeutic strategies. The group consists of senior researchers, postdoctoral researchers, and students and offers a methodologically broad, interprofessional, and supportive research environment. As a doctoral student, you will be part of a committed research team with different expertise, including cell and molecular biology, primary neuronal models, animal models, computational chemistry, super-resolution imaging, bioinformatics, and mass spectrometry. We have established an integrated research pipeline encompassing mechanistic studies, compound design and screening, in vitro verification, and evaluation in cellular and animal models. We aim to use these platforms to elucidate the degradation mechanisms of pathological proteins and leverage this knowledge for the development of protein-targeted degraders for Alzheimer’s disease.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

This doctoral project aims to investigate tau degradation mechanisms and develop small molecules promoting tau degradation. This project includes the exploration of tau-targeting E3 ligases mainly in primary neurons, establishment of in vitro assays to screen compound libraries for monitoring ternary complexes, and the evaluation of compound effects in cell and animal models.

The doctoral student is expected to actively contribute to the project and take on greater responsibility by transitioning from guided and collaborative research to more self-directed study and independent research. The doctoral education will include training in neuroscience, cell and molecular biology, bioinformatics, molecular and cellular methods, animal experiments, data analysis, scientific writing, presentation, and critical thinking.

The student is expected to actively participate in the research environment, including group meetings, departmental seminars, and relevant national and international conferences. Responsibilities also include presenting results, manuscript preparation, participating in the supervision of junior students where appropriate, and engaging in routine lab and other activities. In addition, the student will complete the formal coursework required for the doctoral degree according to the regulations of Karolinska Institutet.

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.

(A) and (B) can only be certified by the documentation requirement for doctoral education.

Skills and personal qualities

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in research and the ability to collaborate and work effectively within a team.

Requirements for the position

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, biomedicine, neurobiology, or a related field
• Excellent oral and written English
• Good communication skills
• Relevant skills in at least one, preferably several, of the following areas: cell culture; basic laboratory techniques, including western blot, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, microscopy, and immunofluorescence; mouse models and drug administration

Merits for the position

• Culturing of primary neuron
• Plasmid construction and transfection
• Compound screening
• Drug delivery system
• Studies of protein-protein interactions

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities in the evaluation process.

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

Your application must contain the following documents:

– 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.

Research group: https://ki.se/en/research/research-areas-centres-and-networks/research-groups/pathogenic-pathways-in-alzheimer-disease-lars-tjernbergs-research-group#tab-start

Main Supervisor: https://ki.se/en/people/lisha-wang

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

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