Doctoral (PhD) student position in selection of DNA/RNA nanostructures as novel therapies Full-time

Doctoral (PhD) Student Position in Selection of DNA/RNA Nanostructures as Novel Therapies

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 doctoral project aims to develop new DNA/RNA nanostructures that can act as targeted nucleic acid therapeutics for cancer. Rather than designing and testing such vehicles one at a time, the project will use a high-throughput screening approaches in which millions of distinct nanostructures are produced as a library, incubated with cancer and control cell lines. Cellular outcome will then be used as a selection marker to identify individual structures that greatly affect diseased cells. The work is carried out in close collaboration with co-supervisors, and spans a broad set of techniques including DNA nanostructure design and assembly, DNA–protein conjugation, cell culture, high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics.

During the doctoral education the student will design and run experiments, analyse and interpret data. We value independence, scientific rigour, strong written and spoken English, and the ability to work well within a collaborative team.

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.

In order to participate in the selection for a doctoral position, you must meet the following general and specific 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.

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.

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.

We are looking for a motivated and curious candidate with a background in molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field, who enjoys interdisciplinary work spanning wet-lab experimentation and computational data analysis.

In addition to the aforementioned requirements for the position:

• A Master's degree in a relevant field – e.g. molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, nanotechnology, biomedicine, chemistry, or equivalent.
• Wet lab experience preferably in molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, nucleic acid handling).
• Experience in computational data analysis (for example in Python).
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.

Meritorious for the position:

• Experience with mammalian cell culture and associated techniques.
• Experience in high throughput sequencing.
• Experience in custom processing of high throughput sequencing data.
• Experience in bioconjugation and purification.
• Experience in working with RNA.
• Experience in advanced microscopy.

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

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 above) – Documents certifying your specific eligibility (see 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.

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.

KI applies a salary scale when setting salaries for doctoral students. All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed.