Doctoral (PhD) student position in aerobiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

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 Rothfuchs group studies the immunology and infection biology of mycobacteria. The group has several projects on transmission of aerosolized M. tuberculosis and is developing technology to collect and study mycobacteria from aerosols. More information about the group: http://ki.se/research/rothfuchs

You will be part of a multidisciplinary research project on the aerobiology of M. tuberculosis. You will investigate the survival of aerosolized M. tuberculosis and its subsequent infectivity and response in macrophages. More specifically, you will study the impact of aerosol transport on mycobacterial survival; the ability of mycobacteria aged in aerosols to infect macrophages; and the impact of aerosol particles size on mycobacterial survival and infectivity. You will work in Biosafety level 3 (BSL3) where you will perform experiments with aerosolized M. tuberculosis in a tailored sampling chamber. You will also assist in BSL3 activities of the research group, including training and supervision of students.

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 .

A good understanding of the infection biology and transmission of M. tuberculosis is desirable. Experience in microbiological air sampling is necessary. Experience from working in BSL3 with M. tuberculosis or other risk group 3 airborne pathogens is necessary. Strong communication skills and ability to work efficiently in a multidisciplinary, international team is desirable. Fluent English in speech and writing is necessary.

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.

Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC):

https://ki.se/en/mtc/department-of-microbiology-tumor-and-cell-biology