Doctoral (PhD) student position in Neuropsychoimmunology Full-time NEW

Doctoral (PhD) Student Position in Neuropsychoimmunology

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 Neuropsychoimmunology Unit focuses on the biological mechanisms underlying severe psychiatric disorders, with particular interest in neuropsychiatric and neuropsychoimmune pathways. The research group uses a broad range of analytical and experimental approaches, including biochemical, molecular biological, cellular, electrophysiological, and behavioral techniques. These include analysis of amino acids, tryptophan/kynurenine- and monoamine metabolites, cytokines and chemokines, as well as immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture, and in vivo approaches. The group has an extensive network of clinical and preclinical collaborators within Karolinska Institutet and with national and international research institutions.

The doctoral student will be part of an interdisciplinary research environment with expertise spanning neuroscience, psychiatry, cellular biology, and translational research. The student will have the opportunity to work closely with researchers within the unit and with collaborators at Karolinska Institutet and other institutions. The research environment encourages collaboration, scientific discussion, and the development of independent research skills.

The Doctoral Student Project and the Duties of the Doctoral Student

The aim of this PhD project is to investigate biological mechanisms underlying brain function and mental health. The project will combine approaches from neuroscience, cellular biology, and neuropsychiatry to investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms relevant to mental health and psychiatric disorders.

The doctoral student will apply molecular and cellular approaches to investigate neuronal function and cellular processes, including imaging, immunohistochemistry and biochemical analyses. The project may also involve collaboration with relevant core facilities and research groups with complementary expertise. The student will participate in experimental planning, laboratory work, data analysis, interpretation, and presentation and publication of research findings.

The doctoral student is expected to become an active member of the research group and participate in group meetings, departmental seminars, scientific discussions, and relevant conferences. The student will work closely with the supervisor and other members of the research team and contribute to a collaborative and stimulating research environment. The position will provide opportunities to develop technical expertise, scientific reasoning, and independent research skills in an interdisciplinary and translational research setting.

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

The candidate we are looking for must have a university degree in pharmacology, neuroscience, biology, biomedicine, biochemistry, or a related field. The candidate must be highly motivated, have good communication and collaboration skills, and have a strong interest in research. Previous experience with cell culture, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, or related laboratory techniques is advantageous. Experience with mass spectrometry is considered an additional merit, but is not required. English is the official language of our group; therefore, candidates must have very good oral and written English language skills. The selected candidate needs to be able to collaborate effectively and be a team player. Curiosity, willingness to learn new techniques, attention to detail, commitment to research ethics, and good documentation and organizational skills are important qualities for the position.

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.

KI applies a salary scale when setting salaries for doctoral students.