项目介绍

2024年4月25日

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

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 Furlan lab aims to discover the neuronal circuits regulating food preference, homeostasis, and body weight regulation, with a focus on obesity (Furlan et al., Nat. Neuro, 2022). To do this, we employ a multidisciplinary approach, including transcriptomics, circuit-tracing methods, and functional manipulation strategies, in the mouse model. We believe that interrogation of these understudied circuits will critically advance our understanding of how the brain and body achieve important physiological processes and will contribute to the development of novel approaches to treat obesity and metabolic syndrome. Our lab is part of the Neuroscience department, in the Biomedicum, a vibrant, highly interactive, internationally recognized center for medical research with outstanding research infrastructure.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The project is part of an ERC starting grant and focuses on the identification and characterization of the brain circuits controlling body weight. The student will learn viral-based tracing techniques, and to image and control neuronal activity using photometry and opto- and chemo-genetics approaches. The project also includes RNA sequencing of peripheral organs and single-cell sequencing of selected neuronal populations.

The candidate’s duties are to spearhead this project, learn to plan experiments independently and collect and analyze data. The student will have the possibility to collaborate on other projects, led by team members. Round tables and lab meetings will be held weekly to discuss science and problem-solving. The student will take part in these meetings and present data twice per semester.

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 requirementYou 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.

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

Skills and personal qualities

Initiative, motivation, and a keen interest in understanding and contributing to the fields of neuroscience and metabolism are an absolute must.

The ideal candidate should:

• – have a solid academic background in Neuroscience
• – have experience with viral tracing techniques and/or intracranial stereotaxic surgery
• – Be proficient with immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging

The following skills represent a strong plus:

• – Knowledge of the peripheral nervous system and ganglia dissection
• – Proficiency with tissue clearing and whole-mount staining of organs

Terms and conditions

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