PhD position in molecular mechanisms coupled to immunomodulatory functions of a set of oligonucleotides acting in the extracellular space

The Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Grens Institute (MBW) conducts experimental basic research in molecular cell biology, integrative biology and infection and immunobiology. The research environment is characterized by a modern and advanced methodology and has a strong international profile. MBW is one of the larger departments within the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University with just over 30 research groups and approximately 180 employees, of which 65 are doctoral students. More information about us can be found at: Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Grens Institute .

Project description

The doctoral student’s thesis work will be conducted within the framework of Professor Anna-Lena Spetz’s research group. The project addresses molecular mechanisms related to immunomodulation with a group of oligonucleotides that bind to the cell surface to exert effects. We are investigating basic mechanisms regarding a group of non-coding oligonucleotides and their potential for therapeutic use. We have discovered that a group of single-stranded oligonucleotides temporarily inhibit certain endocytosis pathways and thereby affect innate immune responses. The thesis work will be conducted within the framework of this project.

Eligibility requirements

To be admitted to doctoral studies, the applicant must have basic and specific eligibility requirements. The eligibility requirements must be met by the final admission date.

You have basic eligibility if you have completed a degree at advanced level, or have completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (ECs), of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at advanced level, or have otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.

According to the general curriculum for doctoral education in the subject of molecular bioscience , the applicant must have at least 120 credits in molecular biology, biology, chemistry or equivalent in the undergraduate education and at least 60 credits in advanced level in molecular bioscience or equivalent, of which at least 30 credits must consist of independent work.

The eligibility must be met by the last admission date.

Selection

Selection of applicants is made based on their ability to benefit from postgraduate education. Criteria used to assess this ability are:

• documented subject knowledge relevant to the research area
• analytical and creative thinking
• own initiative
• autonomy
• cooperation skills
• ability to express yourself verbally and in writing in both Swedish and English
• Previous experience with techniques such as qPCR, Western blots, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, sterile cell cultures from primary human blood cells, CRISPR-Cas9 and flow cytometry is an asset.

Admission procedure for doctoral education at Stockholm University.

About the employment

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student in accordance with Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The employment period may not be longer than the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education. As a doctoral student, you will primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20%).

A new appointment as a doctoral student is valid for a maximum of one year, and the appointment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace that is free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for everyone.

Contact

Further information is available from Professor Anna-Lena Spetz, tel. +46 8-16 42 05, anna-lena.spetz@su.se .

Application

You apply for the doctoral position via Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Attach a cover letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it reaches the university by the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: applying for a job .

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