The Department of Biosciences and Nutrition performs research and education in areas of medical science including molecular endocrinology, cancer biology, functional genomics, systems biology, epigenetics, structural Biochemistry, cellular virology, and nutrition. The department offers an international study and working environment, including around 300 scientists, students, administrative and technical personnel.
A doctoral position is an available doctoral education project to which a PhD student is to be recruited. After the selection process the process for admission to doctoral education will commence. An admission decision will not be taken until an individual study plan has been approved by the departmental admission board.
Research group and project :
- The research group of Dr. Maria Kasper at the Dept. of Biosciences and Nutrition is investigating the dynamics of stem cells in skin – during normal physiology, wound healing and cancer initiation – using the murine skin as a model system (see lab references: Jaks et al., Nat Genet 40:1291-9, 2008; Snippert et al., Science 327:1385-9, 2010; Kasper et al., PNAS 108:4099-104, 2011; Kasper et al., JCI 122:455-63, 2012). To investigate the dynamics of stem cells and their progeny in these processes we use a wide range of methods like genetically engineered mouse models, cell sorting, in-situ sequencing, confocal single/two-photon microscopy and high-throughput transcriptomics.
- The PhD project focuses on how cells interact with each other and their surrounding to either maintain or acquire their individual identity. More specifically, the project aims at characterizing the regulatory mechanisms involved in stem cell homeostasis and niche dependence at the level of single cell dynamics. A combination of state of the art techniques will be used: genetically engineered mouse models, FACS sorting, 3D scaffold skin models and confocal single/two-photon microscopy.
Duties and qualifications :
- The PhD program at the Karolinska Institutet corresponds to four years full time studies. The emphasis is on practical laboratory work (mouse work, wet lab work & imaging), but also includes attending seminars, courses, and conferences. The PhD student should under supervision plan and execute experiments, analyze data, interpret and present the results as well as write scientific articles.
- We seek a student with a background in molecular biology, biomedicine or equivalent, self-motivated and with a keen interest in skin stem Cell Biology, animal models and regenerative medicine. Experience in working with mice, molecular biology techniques, confocal microscopy/image analysis, FACS use, and the isolation and culture of primary cells is an advantage. Good ability to communicate in English (written and verbal) is required.
Application process : An application must contain the following documents in Swedish or English:
- A personal letter (max 1 page)
- Curriculum vitae (max 3 pages)
- A copy of degree certificates and grades in original language and translated to Swedish or English.
- A copy of degree projects and any previous publications
- Two signed letters of reference including contact details of the reference persons
Deadline : 02.12.14
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