Doctoral (PhD) student position in human immunology and virology research

Doctoral (PhD) student position in human immunology and virology research

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

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

Our research group is studying Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in the context of viral pathogenesis and the interaction of the virus with the immune system in humans. The research is translational and combines experimental virology and immunology with ex vivo studies of patient material as well as clinical studies and vaccination studies. The long-term goal is to generate a better understanding of the details of the immune response and pathogenesis in TBEV to aid in the development of specific treatment and better vaccination options for patients. We are now seeking a highly motivated individual to join the group to work on a project on the immune response in Tick-borne encephalitis virus infection.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The project will focus on understanding the immune response in the central nervous system (CNS) viral infection tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), to optimize TBE vaccination and contribute to novel treatments and diagnostic methods. The project takes advantage of methods for cell biology, molecular biology, and virology, including advanced flow cytometry. Experiments with live virus will take place in a BSL3-laboratory. This position is supported by an internal Karolinska Institutet KID grant. In addition to the main supervisor Sara Gredmark Russ, the student will also have two co-supervisors: Assoc. Prof. Marcus Buggert and Dr. Xaquin Dopico. The successful candidate will take part in all research-related activities such as group meetings, departmental seminars, national/international meetings, as well as standard laboratory routines of the group. Finally, the PhD student will work to fulfil the course requirements of the PhD program as outlined in the relevant rules and documentation available at the ki.se website.

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.

A) General eligibility requirement

- have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or
- 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
- have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

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.

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.

Skills and personal qualities

For this PhD project we are seeking a highly motivated person with a strong desire to study the interactions of virus with the human immune system. The applicant is expected to have a degree within molecular biology, biomedicine, cell biology, or similar. The successful applicant should be self-motivated, needs to be fluent in English, have excellent communication skills and the ability to interact effectively and work productively in a team. Merit is previous lab experience of human immunology studies and experience of international collaborations. Great advantage is experience in e.g. tissue culture work with primary immune cells or cell lines, previous work with live virus, and flow cytometry. We put great emphasis on personal suitability.

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
- Documents certifying your specific eligibility

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.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all

Type of employment: PhD placement
Contract type: Full time
First day of employment: According to agreement
Salary: Monthly salary
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100
City: Stockholm
County: Stockholms län
Country: Sweden
Reference number: STÖD 2-563/2025
Contact:

- Sara Gredmark Russ, Recruiting manager, sara.gredmark.russ@ki.se
- Jenna Almqvist, HR-Partner, jenna.almqvist@ki.se

Union representative:

- Belinda Pannagel, SACO, belinda.pannagel@ki.se
- Sidinh Luc, SACO, sidinh.luc@ki.se
- Mari Gilljam, OFR, mari.gilljam@ki.se

Published: 2025-02-04
Last application date: 2025-02-25

Job details

Title: Doctoral (PhD) student position in human immunology and virology research

Application deadline: 2025-02-25 23:59 (Europe/Stockholm)

Karolinska Institutet's mission is to contribute to the improvement of human health through research and education.

#J-18808-Ljbffr