1-2 doctoral (PhD) students in genetic epidemiology and precision prevention for prostate cancer

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 Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (MEB) conducts research in epidemiology and biostatistics across a broad range of areas within biomedical science. The department is among the largest of its type in Europe and has especially strong research profiles in psychiatric, cancer, reproductive, pediatric, pharmaco, genetic, and geriatric epidemiology, eating disorders, precision medicine, and biostatistics.

Part of the success of our department is due to our collaborative spirit where one factor is that researchers at the Department share and co-finance common resources (e.g., IT and an applied biostatistics group). The department is situated at campus Solna. Further information can be found at http://ki.se/en/meb

The prostate cancer research group at MEB has a track record of performing innovative and impactful research based on prospective clinical trials and large-scale observational data. The group has a particular focus on developing and implementing precision medicine strategies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. The current project will be led by Assistant Professor Anna Plym whose research is aimed at improving genetic risk-stratification for aggressive prostate cancer as well as investigate potential prevention strategies for men at increased genetic risk. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with Associate Professor Fredrik Wiklund and several other researchers both within and outside MEB.

Prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer death and there is an urgent need for new prevention strategies. Testing of inherited genetic variation has emerged as a powerful tool for predicting risk of prostate cancer, in particular when multiple genetic risk variants are combined into a polygenic risk score. Men with a high polygenic risk score have a lifetime risk of prostate cancer of 50% and are at increased risk of dying from the disease. We hypothesize that a more personalized prevention approach that takes genetic predisposition into account may be the way forward since it may allow for early diagnosis and targeted treatment of potentially fatal cancers. An additional strategy could involve a stronger promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviors, which have emerged as potentially relevant in reducing the risk of prostate cancer death, or a pharmacological intervention.

The overarching aim of this project is to generate evidence-based knowledge that can be used for a new prevention strategy for prostate cancer based on genetic risk and other markers and that has a focus on preventing metastatic disease and death. The project will include research aimed at improving polygenic risk scores for prostate cancer (main focus of doctoral project 1), identifying modifiable protein biomarkers (main focus of doctoral project 2), and evaluating potential prevention strategies among men at increased risk (included in both projects). The project will integrate epidemiological data with germline genetic and blood protein biomarker data collected within the STHLM3 screening study and other cohorts, including from the international prostate cancer genetics consortium PRACTICAL.

With guidance from the supervisors, the role of the student will be to set up an analytic strategy for each sub-study, prepare and analyze the data, interpret the results, and write and disseminate research articles. Coursework will help the student in successfully completing these tasks. This project provides learning activities in several areas, including prostate cancer epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, integrative omics analysis, biostatistics, and causal inference.

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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 (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:

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 .

The applicant is expected to possess the following skills and experience:

- A degree or the equivalent in epidemiology, statistics, bioinformatics, computer science, or a related quantitative field.
- Basic knowledge of epidemiology, biostatistics and/or bioinformatics.
- Strong ability to quickly learn new concepts and new analytical methods.
- Strong interest in cancer prevention.
- Strong interest in learning and applying methods for molecular and genetic epidemiology, including programming.

The following skills and experience are considered meriting:

- Prior knowledge and coursework in genetics, omics analysis, survival analysis, causal inference, or AI/machine learning.
- Experience of setting up and analyzing an epidemiological study.
- Experience in R or other programming languages used in biostatistics and bioinformatics.

We attach great importance to personal qualities in this recruitment. As a person, you are creative, curious, and highly motivated. You can take responsibility for research projects and have strong collaboration skills.

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 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.