Doctoral student position on the role of oligodendrocytes in Alzheimer's disease progression and lifestyle interventions Full-time NEW

Doctoral Student Position On The Role Of Oligodendrocytes In Alzheimer's Disease Progression And Lifestyle Interventions

The Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) conducts world leading research in aging, dementia, epidemiology and care sciences. This research extends from basic molecular and cell levels to clinical research and societal studies. NVS educates almost a third of KI students at basic and advanced levels. The Department has approximately 540 employees and a revenue 2023 of 530 million SEK. It comprises seven divisions, located at Campus Flemingsberg and Campus Solna.

The Division of Clinical Geriatric, with over 100 employed and affiliated researchers are located both in Neo, Campus Flemingsberg and in the Q-building in Solna. We conduct research focusing on cognitive impairment, dementia, and other aging related disorders, and education, among other medical graduates. Our research is multi-faceted and is in close collaboration with leading institutions and clinics worldwide. The research is clinically oriented with an emphasis on diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The division has a close cooperation with the Medical Unit Aging within Theme Inflammation and Aging at Karolinska University Hospital.

Do You Want To Contribute To Top Quality Medical Research?

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 research group “Nordic UK Brain Network” (NBN) at the Centre for Alzheimer's Research offers a dynamic and international research environment where the healthy brain aging is the focus. NBN is part of the Division of Clinical Geriatrics at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) at KI. The goal of the NBN research is to identify and prevent the development of cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Our activities include research, implementation, and information dissemination. We participate in international research networks with both prevention and treatment studies, such as multimodal lifestyle interventions for people at risk for developing cognitive problems and clinical drug-trials for dementia.

The announced position will be in collaboration with the division of Neurogeriatrics at the same department (NVS) which has a focus on disease mechanisms and basic research in neurodegeneration. This collaboration offers a translational research environment.

The Doctoral Student Project And The Duties Of The Doctoral Student

In this PhD proposal, the student will contribute to advancing the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying white matter changes in the early pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). By exploring the effects of lifestyle interventions on myelination as a potential protective factor, this PhD program aims to identify new strategies for enhancing resilience against AD.

The candidate will examine the role of oligodendrocytes and myelination in neurodegenerative disorders through a multifaceted approach. This includes research on fluid biomarkers, including work in extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer's disease, as well as analyses of brain tissue samples from both mice and humans.

The biomarker studies will be conducted within observational cohorts and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) using both MRI-data, fluid biomarker data and clinical data.

In addition to fulfilling doctoral courses at Karolinska Institute (KI) and accruing the necessary credits, the doctoral student will engage in literature reviews and data analyses, focusing on both experimental data and databases from the observational cohorts and RCTs. Furthermore, the student will interpret results and prepare publications for scientific journals. The PhD candidate will also be expected to present research findings at seminars and conferences and take an active role in experimental design and presentations.

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 ideal candidate for this PhD position has a MSc in Biomedicine, Biopharmaceuticals, Drug Discovery or similar. Preference is given to candidates with previous research experience related to neurodegenerative diseases and specifically molecular research in mouse models and human brain tissues related to this context. Competence in neuroscience, biostatistics and experience from data management is also a merit for this position.

Since the applicant will be part of an international and interdisciplinary research team, flexibility, collaborative, and problem-solving skills are required. Great communication skills in English (oral and written) are also a requirement as the doctoral student will interact with other researchers in the team, clinicians, and collaborators within the Doctoral Student Project. We are looking for a candidate who is driven, motivated, takes initiative and can work independently.

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.

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