PhD: DNA nanotechnology and cell signal regulation

Karolinska Institutet seeks a PhD student to study Notch signalling and DNA nanotechnology, with relevance to cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

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 Högberg group is part of the division for Molecular Systems Bioengineering at the department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at the Karolinska Institutet (KI) which encompasses five research groups whose work focuses on creating new bioengineering techniques and new materials for cell biology research. Our diverse team of physicists, biologists, chemists, and computational biologists is a leading group in the field of DNA nanotechnology specialized in creating molecular tools for life-science. We offer a stimulating scientific environment and a top research infrastructure both locally, at the department level and institution level.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

This project aims to uncover the molecular mechanics of Notch signaling and the role of protease ADAM10 in it. Traditional models suggest that Notch activation requires a physical “pulling force,” but our recent work demonstrates that Notch can be activated in a force-independent manner using multivalent DNA origami agonists displaying Notch ligand nanopatterns. The PhD student will explore alternative mechanisms that could explain how the Notch pathway is activated and assess whether DNA origami nanodevices can be designed to influence this process in vivo.

Key duties and objectives can include:

• Mapping Molecular Interactors: Discovering which proteins interact with the key signaling players in this pathway, using state-of-the-art tools to build a comprehensive molecular map of the cell’s signaling machinery.
• Functional Characterization: Probing the functional roles of newly identified molecular players by selectively switching off individual genes and measuring how this affects cell signaling at the molecular level.
• Advanced Imaging: Capturing detailed images of how signaling molecules are spatially organized at the surface of cells using cutting-edge super-resolution and electron microscopy techniques that can reveal structures far smaller than the wavelength of light.
• In Vivo Translation: Validating the function of DNA nanodevices in living organisms, using animal disease models to explore whether these molecular tools can reverse disease symptoms and open new therapeutic possibilities.
• Nanoscale Engineering: Engineering custom-built DNA nanostructures that can precisely control the activity of key signaling proteins, with long-term potential for treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

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 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.

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

Skills and personal qualities

The ideal candidate should have a background in Molecular Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Bioengineering or a related field. Technical proficiency in cell culture, molecular cloning, and advanced microscopy can be an advantage. Experience with DNA nanotechnology, proximity labeling (BioID/TurboID), or in vivo mouse models is also an advantage. Experience in coding and AI tools can also be advantageous.

We are looking for a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative individual who is comfortable working in an interdisciplinary setting. The ability to conduct lab work and document results in a precise and neat manner and to discuss and present results comprehensively is required.

Terms and conditions

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

Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics | Karolinska Institutet

Björn Högberg group | Karolinska Institutet

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