PhD student in Molecular Biosciences

Ref. No. SU FV-4875-22

at the Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute . Closing date: 4 February 2023.

Research at the Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute (MBW) experimentally addresses fundamental problems in molecular cell biology, integrative biology, and infection and immunobiology. State-of-the art and advanced methodologies are applied in a professional research environment characterized by its well-established international profile. The institute has 30 research groups with a research staff of 180, of which 65 are PhD students. Read more about MBW at www.su.se/mbw .

Project description 
This PhD student position is available in the laboratory headed by Dr. Johan Ankarklev. This project aims to increase our understanding of genetic factors underlying malaria transmission. The malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, has a highly complex lifecycle where transmission is strictly linked to sexual stage differentiation of a small subset of parasites called gametocytes. Gametocytes home to and develop in the human bone marrow until they reach maturity, at which point they re-enter the blood stream ready to be taken up by a mosquito.
We have analyzed multiple transcriptome data sets, which cover this entire developmental process and anticipate using complementary genome editing strategies to enable modeling of host and parasite factors essential for the process of transmission. The project will require bioinformatic analyses, standard molecular and cell culture approaches for malaria, including RNA-FISH and CRISPR-Cas approaches.

Qualification requirements
In order to meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

In order to meet the specific entry requirements, at least 120 hp in molecular biology, biology, chemistry or similar and complementary subjects. Candidates should have successfully completed courses at an advanced level in molecular biosciences (60 hp), of which 30 hp represent independent research project work. Special consideration may be given to candidates that have other documented qualifications, obtained in Sweden or elsewhere, that are judged to have provided equivalent knowledge.

The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

Selection
The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity: the candidates’ documented knowledge in a relevant field of research, written and oral proficiency in both Swedish and English, the capacity for analytical thinking, the ability to collaborate, as well as creativity, initiative, and independence. The assessment will be based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the degree project, references, relevant experience, interviews, and the candidate’s written motivation for seeking the position. Proficiency in the English language is a prerequisite and good merit in teamwork is a requirement as the projects will be highly collaborative.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University are available at: www.su.se/rules and regulations .

Terms of employment 
Only a person who will be or has already been admitted to a third-cycle programme may be appointed to a doctoral studentship.

The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study.

Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education, but may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Please note that admission decisions cannot be appealed.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
For more information, please contact Dr Johan Ankarklev, telephone: +46 8 16 43 12, [email protected] .

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, [email protected] , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/Lärarförbundet), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, [email protected] , [email protected]  (SEKO), and PhD student representative, [email protected] .

Application
Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of degree projects/theses
• Project proposal/Research proposal describing:
  – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
  – why and how you wish to complete the project
  – what makes you suitable for the project in question
• Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files)
• Letters of recommendation (no more than 6 files)
• Degree projects/theses (no more than 6 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position .

You are welcome to apply!

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URL to this page
https://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs/phd-student-positions-1.507588?rmpage=job&rmjob=19832&rmlang=UK