Doctoral (PhD) student position in normal and malignant hematopoiesis

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.

Dahlin’s team focuses on charting basophil and mast cell differentiation at single-cell level in health and hematologic diseases, including systemic mastocytosis and myeloproliferative neoplasms. This is performed using the state-of-the-art single-cell omics technologies complemented with functional experiments. The current team consists of the principal investigator, three doctoral students, and one postdoc, which together cover the areas of experimental research, bioinformatics, and applied mathematics. The group is part of the Division of Immunology and Allergy.

The differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into several blood cell lineages has been described with high precision. However, the mast cell differentiation trajectory has yet to be charted in detail. The mission of the doctoral student project is to map the mast cell differentiation trajectories in health and hematologic diseases. This includes the study of cell fate decisions, identification of molecular pathways that regulate progenitor cell differentiation, and investigation into how genetic mutations drive aberrant hematopoiesis.

Key technologies applied to primary samples from healthy subjects and patients with hematologic diseases include FACS sorting, CRISPR-based genetic editing, cell culture assays, and single-cell omics technologies (transcriptomics, surface epitope profiling, epigenomics). The research is performed in an interdisciplinary setting, with both experimental and computational scientists. It also includes collaborations with clinical departments as well as national and international research groups.

The main focus of the doctoral studies is experimental research, though the doctoral student will also be involved in omics data analysis performed by bioinformaticians. Additional duties include participation in daily routines of the research group and the division, such as maintenance, administration, and supervision.

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 .

Education or experience that is equivalent to a master’s degree in medicine, natural sciences, or similar is required for the position.

Previous experience with experimental work is required.

The successful applicant is motivated, trustworthy, organized, curious and openminded, and show skills to cooperate within a team.

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

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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 describing in detail how your current knowledge and skills can contribute to the project and the research within the group (Swedish or English)
- A curriculum vitae (Swedish or English)
- 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.

The position is located within the Department of Medicine, Solna. The department consists of eleven divisions and each division consists of several research groups. The position is located within the research groupof Joakim Dahlin. Dahlin’s group belongs to the Division of Immunology and Allergy, with several groups working in the field of immunology or with basophil- and mast cell-related research. Several projects are performed in collaboration with physicians and researchers at Karolinska University Hospital and Uppsala Akademiska Hospital.