Doctoral student in nanotechnology and metabolism Full-time NEW

Doctoral Student In Nanotechnology And Metabolism

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 student will join the research group Nanomedicine and Spatial Biology, led by Ana Teixeira, at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (FyFa) in Biomedicum, Solna. The group combines biophysics, DNA nanotechnology and cell biology to understand how cells communicate with their microenvironment, and has developed DNA nanotechnology-based methods to map and control the nanoscale organisation of membrane receptors (e.g. Ambrosetti et al., Nature Nanotechnology 2021; Spratt, Dias et al., Nature Nanotechnology 2024). Together, the research groups of the principal supervisor (Ana Teixeira) and co-supervisor (Anna Krook) provide a supportive and stimulating environment for interdisciplinary metabolism research.

The Doctoral Student Project And The Duties Of The Doctoral Student

We are seeking a highly motivated doctoral student to join an interdisciplinary research project investigating the mechanisms regulating insulin transport across blood vessels and their role in insulin resistance and diabetes. Insulin must cross the vascular endothelium to reach target tissues, such as skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, where it regulates glucose metabolism. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling this process remain incompletely understood. This project aims to investigate mechanisms of insulin transport and signalling, with the long-term goal of identifying new strategies to improve insulin delivery and overcome insulin resistance.

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

Required:

– Practical laboratory experience in cell or molecular biology, for example mammalian cell culture, fluorescence microscopy or biochemical assays. – Very good ability to communicate in English, orally and in writing. – Ability to work both independently and in a team, and to plan and document experimental work in a structured way.

Meritorious:

– Experience of DNA nanotechnology. – Experience of super-resolution, confocal or light-sheet microscopy and quantitative image analysis. – Experience of work with zebrafish or mice, and completed laboratory animal science training. – Knowledge of insulin signalling, metabolism or diabetes. – Experience of analysing single-cell sequencing or other omics data. – Interest in developing AI-assisted computational models and in combining them with laboratory work in closed-loop experiments, where model predictions guide the design of the next round of experiments.

We are looking for a curious and motivated person with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of nanotechnology, biophysics and metabolism. Great 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.

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.

Nanomedicine and Spatial Biology – Teixeira Lab Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (FyFa)