Doctoral (PhD) student position in human tumor immunology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We are seeking a highly motivated student to join the team of Andrea Ponzetta as a PhD student to investigate the dynamic alterations of the immune infiltrate during human gastroesophageal cancer progression. This position is fully supported by a Karolinska Institutet KID grant, and the project is aimed at spatially and temporally mapping the variations in the immune landscape present at different stages of tumor development, with a particular focus on the role of innate immune cells. 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 Ponzetta research team has been established in 2021 and is part of the Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM), a leading research unit in translational studies of the human immune system in the context of chronic inflammation, infectious diseases, and cancer. We have a long-standing interest in human immunology, with a focus on the role of innate immunity in infections and tumors (Lourda et al, PNAS 2021; Maucourant et al, Sci Immunol 2020; Ponzetta et al, Cell 2019).

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The position is fully supported by a Karolinska Institutet KID grant, and the project is aimed at spatially and temporally mapping the variations in the immune landscape present at different stages of tumor development, with a particular focus on the role of innate immune cells. Cutting edge techniques, including 30-color flow cytometry, proteomics and single cell transcriptomics will be employed by the student, with the aim of improving the current criteria of patient classification, as well as finding potential immune-related biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets. Adequate support for introduction and mastering of the required techniques is available in our unit and through several collaborations. The doctoral project will be developed in close contact with clinicians at Karolinska University Hospital, representing an important factor for the translational impact of the generated results.

The successful candidate will take part in all research-related activities such as group meetings, department seminars, national/international meetings, as well as standard laboratory routines of the group. Finally, the PhD student will work to achieve the course requirements of the PhD program as outlined in the relevant rules and documentation available at the ki.se website.

Location: Flemingsberg

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 successful candidate should be a highly motivated person with a strong interest in cancer immunology. To qualify, the applicant must have a Master degree in biomedicine, biotechnology or equivalent. The successful applicant 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, particularly in the cancer or immunology field. Great advantage is experience in blood and tissue culture work with primary immune cells or cell lines, programming skills (R or Python), multi-color flow cytometry, PCR or sequencing technologies.

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.

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