Doctoral (PhD) student position in molecular characterisation of HPV-negative cervical cancer Full-time

Doctoral (PhD) Student Position in Molecular Characterisation of HPV-Negative Cervical Cancer

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 position is based in the Arroyo Mühr Research Group, part of the Center for Cervical Cancer Elimination at the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet. The group is led by Associate Professor (Docent) Sara Arroyo Mühr and combines molecular biology, bioinformatics and epidemiology to investigate HPV and cancer. We use clinical samples and health registry data to understand cancer development and improve prevention and early detection. The doctoral student will work in an interdisciplinary environment with national and international collaborations.

The Doctoral Student Project and the Duties of the Doctoral Student

The doctoral project is part of the ERC-funded ESCAPE-HPV research programme and focuses on molecular characterisation of HPV-negative cervical cancer. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which forms the basis for prevention through HPV vaccination and HPV-based screening. Nevertheless, HPV is not detected in a small proportion of tumours. These cancers may escape current HPV-based prevention strategies, and greater understanding of their origins and how they can be detected and prevented is therefore needed. The aim is to investigate the biological mechanisms underlying these tumours and identify molecular characteristics that may contribute to improved diagnosis and prevention. The project combines laboratory work with analyses of genomic, transcriptomic and epigenetic data, as well as clinical and registry data.

Duties include:

• Identifying relevant cancer cases in health registries, and compiling and quality-checking clinical and registry data.
• Contributing to ethics applications and documentation for the use of biological samples and associated data.
• Collaborating with national and international partners on access to, transfer of, and management of samples and data.
• Processing biological samples, extracting DNA and RNA, and carrying out quantification and quality control.
• Performing molecular analyses, including PCR, qPCR and HPV genotyping, and preparing sequencing libraries.
• Conducting bioinformatic analyses of sequencing data and other molecular data.
• Developing and applying reproducible scripts in R and/or Python for data processing, quality control, statistical analysis and visualisation.
• Analysing and integrating molecular results with clinical and registry data.
• Documenting methods and results, contributing to scientific publications and presenting research at seminars and conferences.

Both laboratory work and computational analyses are central parts of the doctoral project. The work involves samples and data from Sweden and international collaborators. The doctoral student will receive supervision and methodological training within the research group and gradually develop independence in planning, conducting and interpreting 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. Karolinska Institutet is a state university, which entitles to several benefits such as extended holiday and generous occupational pension. 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.

1. A) General eligibility requirement You meet the general eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:
• have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree) or
• 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
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
2. Follow the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.
3. 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.

Skills and personal qualities

We are looking for a motivated and curious candidate with a strong interest in cancer research who enjoys combining laboratory work and bioinformatics. You collaborate well, communicate clearly and contribute actively to the research group. You take initiative, think creatively and are open to trying new approaches to solve scientific and practical problems. You can prioritise tasks and work efficiently in a fast-paced research environment while maintaining accuracy and quality. You can plan and organise your work, take responsibility for agreed tasks and move them forward with increasing independence. When problems arise, you investigate potential causes, propose solutions and seek support when needed.

• Relevant educational background in molecular biology, biomedicine, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Practical experience in molecular biology laboratory work, including accurate pipetting and handling of DNA and/or RNA samples.
• Basic experience with sequencing-based methods and bioinformatic analysis of biological data.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English.

Meritorious qualifications

• Experience in DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, and nucleic acid quality control.
• Experience in sequencing library preparation or working with next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms.
• Experience in the analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, or epigenetic data.
• Experience in programming and data analysis using R and/or Python.
• Knowledge of cancer biology, virology, or HPV-related research.
• Experience working with tumour samples, FFPE material, or health registries.
• Experience in scientific research and presentation of research findings.
• Co-authorship of scientific publications relevant to the project's research area.
• Experience presenting research findings through oral or poster presentations at scientific conferences.

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.

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)

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.