Doctoral (PhD) student position in immune responses to viruses and vaccines with relevance to type 1 diabetes

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

The Flodström Tullberg group is dedicated to studying the natural history of type 1 diabetes and advancing the development of preventative treatments. The research conducted by the group primarily explores environmental triggers, such as common viral infections, while also pioneering novel screening methods to assess type 1 diabetes risk. With a strong translational focus, the group integrates cutting-edge molecular, cellular, and model systems—including stem-cell-derived islets and unique human samples—to bridge fundamental research with clinical applications. Internationally recognized as a leader in the study of enterovirus infections and their link to type 1 diabetes, the group has contributed several high-impact publications in recent years (Science Advances 2020, 2024; Diabetes, 2021, Diabetologia 2025).

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The student will contribute to research aimed at developing and testing innovative strategies to counter viruses linked to type 1 diabetes. This includes evaluating a vaccine originally developed by the Flodström-Tullberg group (Science Advances, 2020; Diabetes, 2021) and assessing potential antiviral drugs. Key studies involve monitoring immune responses to infection and vaccination, building on recent findings that identify epitopes recognized during natural infection (Science Advances, 2024). The research utilizes experimental models, type 1 diabetes-associated viruses, and emerging vaccines, with advanced methods such as virus replication monitoring, tissue damage analysis, HLA multimer assays, flow cytometry, and spatial omics. Additionally, the student will work with in vitro and in vivo models for antiviral drug testing.

The candidate is expected to contribute to experimental design, experimentation, data analyses and publication of results. Furthermore, the candidate will participate in various research-related activities including group meetings, departmental seminars, national/international scientific meetings, as well as contribute to routine work within the research group and help supervise master’s students.

The work will be carried out at the Center for Infections Medicine (CIM), Karolinska Institutet and in collaboration with a group led by Professor Roberto Mallone, at the INSERM Cochine Institute, Paris. The position is in part funded via a Horizon Europe grant (ENT1DEP) and through the participation in this network, the candidate will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from leading researchers in the type 1 diabetes immunology and virology fields.

The successful candidate will become part of a dynamic research environment at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, and collaborate within the esteemed international EU consortium (ENT1DEP).

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

For this PhD project, we are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with a strong interest in exploring the interactions between viruses and the human immune system. The ideal candidate should hold a degree in molecular biology, biomedicine, cell biology, or a closely related field. We are seeking someone who is self-driven, fluent in English, and possesses excellent communication skills, along with the ability to collaborate effectively and contribute productively within a team environment.

Previous laboratory experience in virology, cell biology, or immunology is considered a merit, as is familiarity with programming for data analysis or bioinformatics. Particularly valuable is hands-on experience with tissue culture involving primary immune cells or cell lines, work with live viruses, and proficiency in flow cytometry. We place strong emphasis on personal suitability, including a genuine passion for scientific research, problem-solving ability, and a collaborative mindset.

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.

Read more about Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM)

Read more about the Flodström-Tullberg research group

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