Doctoral position in the role of mast cells in asthma

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 student will join the group of Experimental Asthma and Allergy Research which is a truly translational environment with close collaboration with clinicians and the opportunity to learn about the cutting-edge of asthma research. We have developed innovative in vivo and in vitro models that allow us to study fundamental questions of asthma using the latest technology. Within the group there is a scientific infrastructure with laboratory staff PhD students, postdoctoral researchers that all can teach out to gradually gaining the opportunity to acquire the general and specific skills required to implement project.

We are a dynamic, collaborative, and supportive team within the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), an interdisciplinary research department at Karolinska Institutet. IMM conducts cutting edge research within the areas of environmental and occupational medicine, toxicology, physiology, pharmacology, epidemiology, and biostatistics with the aim to clarify how environmental and lifestyle factors affect our health.

The PhD project focuses on understanding the mechanism behind the airway constriction in asthma. This includes using in vivo models in asthma in both mice and guinea pigs, using plethysmographs, flexivent (ventilator for measuring lung mechanics with forced oscillation technique) and PrecisInhale (latest technology for airway exposure) and in vitro techniques for measuring airways constriction with myographs. Further analysis includes evaluation of histology, mediator release, flow cytometry, and single-cell RNA-sequencing. The results of the PhD program will reveal how cells interact with each other and their surroundings to cause the airway symptoms in asthma.

The PhD program at the Karolinska Institutet corresponds to 4 years full time studies. The project is based on practical laboratory work. The studies also include attending seminars, courses, and conferences. The PhD student will under supervision, and with time more independently, plan and execute experiments, analyse data, interpret, and present the results as well as write scientific articles.

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 .

To qualify, the applicant should have a Master degree in immunology, biomedicine, or medicine. Merit is given to applicants who have previous lab experience. Practical experience with flow cytometry and with performing animal experiments is highly desirable.

The candidate should be highly motivated, have good communication skills, and the ability to interact effectively and work productively in a team of international researchers. Fluency in English is a requirement. Another important personal quality is being able to work in a structured, yet flexible, way. Emphasis will be placed on technical competence, past experience with immunological methods and animal models, as well as personal suitability.

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.

https://ki.se/en/imm/unit-of-experimental-asthma-and-allergy-research