Do You Want to Contribute to Top Quality Medical Research?

To be a doctoral student means to devote oneself to a research project under the 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

We invite applications for a PhD position in Prof. Camilla Svensson’s team, which explores cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying chronic pain states. The position will be placed in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the Karolinska Institutet, which has a collegial, international, and dynamic research environment. The overall research mission of the group is to advance our understanding of how pain is induced and sustained, particularly in conditions with persistent pain such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. In this context, we are exploring novel links between the adaptive immune system, activation of osteoclasts and satellite glial cells, and regulation of pain signal transmission. Intracellular signaling pathways that are activated or deactivated in this process are being dissected and studied in relation to persistent pain. The research group (10 PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff members) collaborates with preclinical as well as clinical researchers not only within Karolinska Institutet but also at other Swedish and international universities. We offer an exciting, open, and collaborative research work environment and project, where you can make a difference.

The Doctoral Student Project and the Duties of the Doctoral Student

Rheumatoid arthritis is marked by persistent joint pain, accompanied by the degradation of bone and cartilage. Strikingly, the joint pain often becomes chronic, persisting even when the disease activity is low. Several studies using preclinical models have revealed compelling links between nociception and bone resorption. Building on this foundation, the objective of this PhD thesis project is to investigate the role of osteoclasts in pain regulation, using two different approaches to induce arthritis in mice; injection of collagen type II antibodies or IgG isolated from individuals with RA. The student will work from both a cellular perspective and learn several techniques for analysis of joint pathology and bone erosion, as well as immunological and molecular biological tools. The project also includes in vivo behavioral assays and analysis of patient samples. The student will be part of a larger research network in Stockholm and the EU, consisting of preclinical and clinical researchers.

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 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, ensuring opportunities for international exchanges. The PhD position is part of an EU-funded Doctoral Network BonePainIII (www.bonepain.eu). BonePainIII is a European Doctoral Network to promote frontline research, innovation, and education within bone pain. 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 by the application deadline.

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.

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.

Specific Requirements for the MSCA Doctoral Network (DN)

All PhD students recruited in a Doctoral Network (DN) must be Early-Stage Researchers (ESR). ESR can be of any nationality and age, and they must comply with the LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE and MOBILITY RULE (see below).

• Level of experience: Early-Stage Researchers (= PhD Students) must, at the date of recruitment by the beneficiary, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree. The date of recruitment means the first day of the employment of the researcher for the purposes of the action (i.e., the starting date indicated in the employment contract or equivalent direct contract). Full-time equivalent research experience is measured from the date when the researcher obtained the degree entitling him/her to embark on a doctorate (either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the researcher is recruited), even if a doctorate was never started or envisaged.
• Mobility rule: Researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.

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

Skills and Personal Qualities

We are seeking a highly motivated, talented student who has the maturity and desire to study hard and independently as well as work in a group setting. The day-to-day studies are to a large extent laboratory-based and require self-motivation. In addition, the research is team-based, and the group has multiple ongoing collaborative projects. As such, the applicant must have strong communication skills and an ability to interact effectively and work productively in a collaborative manner. The applicant must be fluent in English, with excellent communication and writing skills. A genuine high level of curiosity for research in general and in the pain field, in particular, is advantageous. Previous experience in the fields of neuroscience, immunology, and/or behavioral pharmacology is considered an advantage for this project.

Emphasis will be placed on personal skills, motivation, and previous experience of laboratory work.

Terms and Conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship for a maximum of 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.

Want to Make a Difference? Join Us and Contribute to Better Health for All

Type of employment: Contract
Contract type: Full-time
First day of employment: As soon as possible
Salary: According to local agreements
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100%
City: Stockholm
County: Stockholm County
Country: Sweden
Reference number: 2022/1234
Contact: Camilla Svensson, camilla.svensson@ki.se
Union representative:

• Helin Norberg, SACO, helin.norberg@ki.se
• Niklas Andersson, ST, niklas.andersson@ki.se
• Elizabeth Valenzuela, SEKO, elizabeth.valenzuela@ki.se

Published: 2022-01-01
Last application date: 2022-04-01