Doctoral (PhD) student position in oral-systemic health 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 within the Division of Oral Health and Periodontology, Department of Dental Medicine, conducts translational research focusing on novel disease mechanisms related to systemic disorders and oral diseases. We specifically focus on the inflammatory pathogenesis of periodontal diseases, microbial etiology of common oral diseases exploration of the oral microbiome, inter-connection between oral and general health. Our goal is to perform cutting-edge research in oral health, to optimize prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common oral diseases, and contribute to the overall well-being.

The group is led by Professor Nagihan Bostanci and her research team is located at Ana Futura, Karolinska Institutet in Campus Fleminsberg and actively collaborates with many excellent research groups within and outside Karolinska Institutet. Our research  group atmosphere is creative, inspiring, friendly, encouraging and positive, and we have broad experience in both experimental and  translational studies. The Department of Dental Medicine is great environment where research education is conducted at undergraduate and postgraduate level. ANA Futura is a leading translational integrated research environment with more than 10,000 m2 laboratory and office space and equipped for cutting-edge research facilities.

Oral health is paramount to overall health and well-being, yet inequities in oral health continue to pose a major global public health threat. This multidisciplinary PhD project aims to explore the connection between "oral-systemic health" to fill the knowledge gap regarding the association between metabolic disorders and oral diseases. The studies are designed using a combination of clinically-based, molecular/biochemical, and registry-based epidemiological methods. 

The project will be carried out thorough a close collaboration between the Department of Dental Medicine, Sachsska Children’s Hospital, Södersjukhuset and Eastmaninstitutet. The doctoral student will contribute to development of oral health care policy protocols, synthesizing evidence, analyzing clinical and large-scale national registry datasets, acquiring multi-omics datasets, and engaging in scientific writing. Additionally, the student will actively participate in departmental seminars, present research results at international/national conferences, and attend PhD courses. Furthermore, the student will contribute to the overall management and dynamics of the laboratory.

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 must have a degree in dental medicine. The applicant should have a deep interest in dental, medical and biological problems. The applicants should be engaged in accelerating oral and overall health promotion. We put great importance to personal qualities in this recruitment. As a person, you are ambitious, curious, and motivated. You need to have a structured and analytical way of working. You demonstrate problem-solving skills. You enjoy independent work, but you are also collaborative and have good communication skills.

In addition to aforementioned requirements, the applicant must have:

• Knowledge in global health and especially health policies for oral and systemic health
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Additional skills that are meritorious for the position:

• A previous experience in the research areas of systemic and oral health
• Experience of working with the statistical programs
• Experience of monitoring, analysing, and reporting data health legislation
• Previous research experience in the laboratory
• Previous experience in systematic reviews
• Advanced master´s level education

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

Location: Flemingsberg

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.

Division of Oral Health and Periodontology

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