Doctoral Student Position in Somatosensory Neurobiology and Pain Research

Solna, Sweden

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Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

As a doctoral student at Karolinska Institutet, you will be admitted to third-cycle education and follow an individual study plan. The doctoral education provides an opportunity to develop into an independent researcher through a supervised research project, combined with courses and other learning activities.

The project is conducted in a stimulating and international research environment where you will have the opportunity to deepen your scientific knowledge and develop advanced experimental skills. A doctoral degree corresponds to four years of full-time study at the third-cycle level.

The research group

We are seeking a highly motivated doctoral student to join the research group of Professor Patrik Ernfors at the Department of Molecular Neurobiology (MBB), Karolinska Institutet. The group investigates neuronal circuits in the somatosensory system and the molecular mechanisms underlying touch, temperature sensation, itch, and pain.

The doctoral project combines molecular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, and advanced in vivo approaches to investigate neuronal circuits and molecular processes involved in chronic pain. The group employs a wide range of techniques, including mouse genetics, behavioral models, viral tracing, and spatial transcriptomics, to link defined neuronal populations to pain mechanisms.

The position is based at Biomedicum, a modern and international research environment with access to advanced infrastructure and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. We are looking for a candidate with relevant research experience who is eager to develop expertise in in vivo neuroscience and neural circuit research within a supervised doctoral training environment.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral student will conduct a research project aimed at identifying the molecular mechanisms and neuronal circuits that contribute to chronic pain, with a particular focus on descending pain-modulatory pathways and the somatosensory system. The project involves the development and application of advanced experimental methods, including mouse behavioral analyses, stereotaxic viral injections and circuit mapping, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, tissue processing, image analysis, and the documentation and evaluation of experimental results.

The work may also include methods such as spatial transcriptomics, chemogenetics, optogenetics, fiber photometry, and other functional approaches, depending on the development of the project. The doctoral student is expected to progressively develop a high degree of independence in the planning, execution, and analysis of experiments while working closely with supervisors and other researchers in the group. Through continuous supervision and a stimulating research environment, the student will have the opportunity to deepen both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in modern neuroscience research.

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:

have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or
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
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.

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.

Skills and personal qualities

We are looking for a candidate with documented knowledge of and a strong interest in neuroscience, neurobiology, molecular biology, or another research area relevant to the doctoral project. You should be motivated to undertake doctoral studies and develop into an independent researcher within a stimulating and supervised research environment. We also value the ability to learn and further develop advanced experimental methods relevant to the project. Curiosity, initiative, and a strong commitment to research are considered important qualities for success in this role.

Qualifications

The applicant must have:

A Master's degree in neuroscience, biology, biomedicine, or another relevant field, or equivalent qualifications.
The ability to learn and develop advanced experimental methods within the framework of doctoral education.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to work in a structured and meticulous manner with experiments, documentation, and data management.
Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills and the ability to contribute to a positive and constructive research environment.
Good problem-solving skills and an analytical, critical approach to the planning, execution, and troubleshooting of experiments.
The ability to clearly present research plans, experimental results, and scientific ideas in English.
Excellent written and spoken English skills.

Meritorious Qualifications

The following qualifications are considered advantageous:

Documented knowledge of and a strong interest in neuroscience, neurobiology, molecular biology, or another area relevant to the doctoral project, as well as strong motivation to pursue doctoral studies and develop as an independent researcher.
Previous experience as a research assistant, research technician, or in a similar role within an experimental neuroscience, neurobiology, or biomedical research laboratory.
Practical experience working with animal models, preferably mice, including animal handling, behavioral analyses, and experimental procedures.
Experience with in vivo methods in circuit neuroscience, such as stereotaxic surgery, viral injections, viral circuit tracing, optogenetics, chemogenetics, or fiber photometry.
Experience with neuroanatomical and histological techniques, including immunohistochemistry, tissue processing, perfusion, confocal microscopy, and image analysis.
Research experience in areas such as chronic pain, somatosensory systems, neuroimmune interactions, stress biology, addiction-related circuits, dopaminergic systems, or neurodegenerative diseases.
FELASA certification or equivalent documented qualifications for laboratory animal work.
Experience working in international research environments and presenting scientific results at laboratory meetings, seminars, conferences, or other scientific venues.

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.

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