Doctoral (PhD) student position in Epigenetics, Bioinformatics and Neuroimmunology

Doctoral (PhD) Student Position In Epigenetics, Bioinformatics And Neuroimmunology

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

The research group is led by Professor Maja Jagodic at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS) and is part of the Karolinska Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (KNIMS) network, which brings together approximately 100 researchers investigating different aspects of neuroimmunology. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to interactive, clinically driven research by combining a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying neurological conditions with access to world-class clinical cohorts. You will benefit from a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and international research environment dedicated to developing innovative translational approaches within precision medicine.

Dr. Maria Needhamsen will serve as the main supervisor, together with a multidisciplinary supervisory team including Dr. Narsis Kiani, Prof Fang Fang and Prof Maja Jagodic. The supervisory team brings together complementary expertise in bioinformatics, computation biology, epigenetics, neuroimmunology and epidemiology.

The Doctoral Student Project And The Duties Of The Doctoral Student

The PhD project focuses on the use of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) to investigate molecular processes associated with neurological conditions. The project will leverage unique clinical cohorts and state-of-the-art molecular and computational approaches to explore the potential of cfDNA as a source of disease-relevant biological information. By integrating cfDNA data with complementary molecular and clinical information, the project aims to advance our understanding of disease mechanisms and contribute to the development of novel biomarker strategies.

The PhD student is expected to actively participate in, and with time take increasing responsibility for, the experimental and computational aspects of the project. This includes generation of high-throughput sequencing data, as well as the development and implementation of computational and statistical analyses. The student will also contribute to scientific writing, presentations, and dissemination of research findings. In addition, the doctoral student will attend postgraduate courses and participate in relevant research and graduate-school activities. The applicant should be committed to maintaining a friendly, inclusive and productive work environment.

What Do We Offer?

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.

Eligibility Requirements For Doctoral Education

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:

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.

   *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.

   (A) and (B) can only be certified by the documentation requirement for doctoral education.

   Skills And Personal Qualities

   We are looking for a creative, committed, and highly motivated team player with a strong interest in research.

   Applicants should have a strong interest in epigenetics, bioinformatics, and neuroimmunology and possess a master's degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, molecular biology, biomedicine, or a related field. Good programming skills in R and/or Python, experience working in Linux-based environments, and familiarity with high-performance computing are meritorious. Experience with the analysis of high-throughput DNA methylation or single-cell RNA-seq data, including data processing, statistical analysis, integration, and visualization, is considered an advantage. Familiarity with machine learning, cell-type deconvolution, and cell-free DNA-based approaches would be an additional asset but is not required.

   The applicant should demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills and be able to collaborate effectively with researchers and professionals from different scientific and clinical backgrounds. A high level of proficiency in spoken and written English is essential for successful communication within the research group and with external collaborators. We value responsibility, flexibility, independence, and a constructive approach to teamwork. Experience working in interdisciplinary or international research environments is considered an advantage. We also attach great importance to personal suitability.

   Terms And Conditions

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

   Application Process

   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)

   Selection

   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.