Doctoral (PhD) student position in image-enabled surveillance of leukemic stem cells Full-time

Doctoral (PhD) Student Position In Image-Enabled Surveillance Of Leukemic Stem Cells

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 Woll group studies cellular and molecular mechanisms promoting establishment and propagation of leukemic stem cells. We wish to understand the cellular and molecular targets for highly recurrent mutations in hematologic malignancies, in order to prevent leukemia and treat the patient. Key technologies applied towards these research directions include advanced flow cytometry, high-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing including single cell analysis, and various in vitro and in vivo stem cell assays including mouse models. The project will be pursued at the Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine.

The Doctoral Student Project And The Duties Of The Doctoral Student

The prevailing concept for sustained malignant hematopoiesis is the dependence on continuous replenishment from leukemic stem cells. According to this model, elimination of leukemic stem cells is both required and potentially sufficient to achieve a cure. However, the cellular identity of leukemic stem cells remains poorly defined as we currently lack markers that distinguish them from normal hematopoietic stem cells, and leukemic cells without stem cell potential. The student will investigate new strategies that incorporates cellular morphology together with cell surface antigen expression patterns to characterize hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in healthy individuals and patients with leukemia.

To address this, the student will learn to employ a combination of image-enabled flow cytometry (to isolate and investigate distinct hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells), mouse models, advanced in vivo and in vitro cell and molecular biology techniques, and general data analysis.

The applicant is expected to have prior hands-on experience with advanced and image-enabled flow cytometry to characterize distinct hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, as well as mature blood cell lineages, and approval for work with mice. Prior experience with genetic modification of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells will also be relevant for the project. The student is expected to develop into an independent scientist whom can play a leading role in the elaboration of scientific hypothesis, experimental design, data analysis and presentation/publication of the research.

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.

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

Skills And Personal Qualities

Requirements

• Applicants must have a relevant educational background in molecular biology or cell biology.
• Applicants must have completed course in compliance with the Swedish Board of Agriculture's regulations on handling and experimental use of laboratory animals.
• Applicants must have extensive experience in isolation and culture of primary human hematopoietic stem cells.

Meritorious

• Previous experience with advanced, image-enabled flow cytometry for analysis of primary hematopoietic cells will be looked upon favorably.
• Previous experience with viral transduction and genetic modification of primary human hematopoietic stem cell, including molecular cloning will be looked upon favorably.
• Applicants should have a high personal drive and motivation, be innovative and eager to solve problems, as well as contribute actively to other projects in the research team. Applicant should be fluent in English (written and spoken). Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

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)

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.

All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed.

Petter Woll group

Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, HERM