PhD Student in experimental research - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), which is defined as a permanent, focal widening of the abdominal aortic diameter of ≥ 30 mm. AAA is a life-threatening condition of large relevance amongst the elderly population and rupture is often a first symptom of AAA with a mortality rate of 75%. As there are no approved diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, Swedish men aged 65-years are subjected to screening for AAA using ultrasonography (US). While both genetic and environmental risk factors (e.g. smoking) have been associated with AAA formation, the precise genetic biomarkers involved and the factors influencing their expression remain an area of ongoing investigation.

In this PhD study, we aim to study the role of genetic and epigenetic changes associated with AAA.

The overall aim is to identify new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for AAA, which can also be used as novel therapeutic targets.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which include participating in research projects and third cycle courses.

Qualifications

Very good oral and written proficiency in English. The applicant must be highly ambitious with a willingness to dedicate him/herself to the project.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study

An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems

Written and oral communication skills

Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience

Meriting skills and experience

Experience working with protein and DNA work

Prior experience in DNA sequencing and basic bioinformatics skills is a plus

Experience working with cell culture and real time PCR

Experience in molecular and cell biology

Other assessment criteria

Motivation to be accepted to the program and statement of career development benefits after graduation from the program

The ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems will be assessed based on undergraduate research experience, a Master's thesis or in a discussion of scientific problems during the interview process.

The ability to collaborate and communicate will be assessed through the application documents and during the interview process.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary

Eligibility
Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Type of employment
Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.