Doctoral student in Molecular Genomics Full-time

Doctoral Student In Molecular Genomics

Third-cycle subject: Biotechnology

We seek a highly motivated PhD candidate for a fully funded 4-year position. The PhD project focuses on investigating mechanisms of RNA synthesis and genome-regulation. We use and develop techniques that track RNA synthesis at nucleotide-resolution and examine how chromatin architecture and transcription are coordinated during stress, differentiation, and disease. At the core of this project is analysis of RNA synthesis by distinct RNA Polymerase complexes, including RNA Pol I-III, mitochondrial RNA Pol, and RNA directed RNA synthesis in virus species. The coordination of RNA synthesis across the genome is assessed in differentiation, stress, and disease models, including infections and cancer.

Supervision: Assist. Prof. Anniina Vihervaara is proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge.
• MSc degree (or equivalent) in biosciences, such as molecular biology, cell biology, virology, or medicine.
• Documented experience with molecular laboratory methods, including DNA, RNA and protein-analysis.
• Documented experience with cell culture.
• Good understanding of genome analysis, including sequencing libraries, fastq-files, sequence alignment, and genome browsing.
• Good knowledge on cellular mechanisms that coordinate a change, e.g. during differentiation, stress, or disease.

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyze and work with complex issues.

Meriting skills:

• Documented experience with microscopy, particularly with live cell and/or high-resolution techniques.
• Research experience with viruses and/or bacteria.
• Documented experience with spatial analysis, including spatial transcriptomics and/or proteomics.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Target Degree: Doctoral Degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. In the case of studies that are to be completed with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for two years.

As a doctoral student, you are entitled to a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH's Doctoral student salary agreement.

Learn more about Doctoral studies (PhD) | KTH | Sweden.