We are looking for PhD candidates to study molecular and circuit mechanisms of learning and memory.

PhD Position in Molecular Neurobiology

Applications are invited for a fully-funded PhD position in Onur Dagliyan's Group at the division of Molecular Neurobiology. The lab's research focus is to uncover experience-driven protein signaling mechanisms in the mouse brain by developing new protein engineering technologies. The group is building a new interdisciplinary research program as there is an immense potential for new fundamental insights to be discovered.

Neuronal activity dependent molecular signaling processes are central for brain development and plasticity. These molecular events form the mechanistic basis of complex neural computation, learning and memory. The Dagliyan laboratory focuses on specific molecular events in neurons happening at different time scales, starting from the immediate modifications at the synapse, to longer time scale molecular events including gene expression, which are key processes for the behaviorally induced plasticity of neuronal circuits.

The Dagliyan lab is the newest member of the Unit of Molecular Neurobiology, composed of outstanding scientists applying interdisciplinary approaches to cutting-edge problems in a collaborative and stimulating environment. The unit is part of the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics residing in a new research building for Biomedical Research, Biomedicum, providing modern technological platforms and an open environment for interactions across departments and disciplines.

While the principal investigator will work hard to achieve your career dreams, your mission will be to use engineered proteins to investigate neuronal circuits in the mouse brain. The recruited fellow candidate is expected to play a leading role in experimental design, experimentation, analysis, as well as presentation/publication of results. You will also work closely with a postdoctoral fellow and the collaborating laboratories to learn and adapt new techniques in case you do not have experience with the particular approach.

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 and specific 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.

General eligibility requirement You meet the general eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

1. have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or
2. have satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the advanced/second-cycle/master level, or
3. have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

   Follow the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

   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.

   The successful candidate should hold a Master's degree in a relevant field of biological or biomedical sciences, preferably obtained within the last two to three years. Previous experience with electrophysiological techniques is highly desirable and will be considered an advantage. The ideal candidate is motivated, proactive, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research environment.

   Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, together with a strong commitment to scientific research, are essential. Given the international nature of the research environment, fluency in spoken and written English is required.

   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 above) – Documents certifying your specific eligibility (see 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.

   KI applies a salary scale when setting salaries for doctoral students.