Doctoral (PhD) student position in ALS

Updated: about 2 months ago

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

Join our dynamic and collaborative research team dedicated to unraveling the complexities of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and related neurodegenerative conditions. We offer an opportunity for a highly motivated and skilled PhD-student to contribute significantly to cutting-edge research in this field.


The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

As a PhD-student, you will spearhead investigations into the correlations among diverse biomarkers collected from ALS patients. Your primary focus will involve studying the correlation between the genetics and other biomarkers and disease spread patterns.

Your responsibilities will encompass a wide array of pivotal tasks, including:

  • Systematic review:
    • Conducting a comprehensive systematic review with focus on prescreening patients for clinical trials
  • Collaborative Clinical Studies:
    • Collaborating with clinical partners to acquire diverse patient cohorts for biomarker validation studies, ensuring the clinical relevance and applicability of research findings.
  • Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis:
    • Conducting a comprehensive longitudinal study analyzing whole genome sequences of ALS patients in Stockholm and potential patterns.
    • Initiating collaborations with global institutions to expand datasets for a more comprehensive understanding of ALS genetics and their implications.
    • Correlating genetic markers with disease severity and progression, emphasizing their role as potential prognostic indicators.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging Integration:
    • Integrating genomics with magentic resonance images to comprehensively understand ALS pathophysiology.

  • 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:

  • have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or
  • 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
  • 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

    We are seeking a candidate with the following qualifications:

    • A degree within medicine or neuroscience.
    • A proven track record in neuroscience research with a focus on motor neuron diseases.
    • Previous experience in managing research projects and mentoring junior researchers/students.
    • Excellent communication skills with a history of impactful presentations and published papers.
    • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
    • Very good command of written and spoken English.

    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.

    Read more about the Department of Clinical Neuroscience
    Read more about the research group you will be a part of


    Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all!

    Similar Positions