Doctoral (PhD) student in cancer immunotherapy - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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 research group, led by professor Rolf Kiessling, studies tumor antigens as well as new methods for DC-based vaccination strategies and T cell-based adoptive cell therapies to be used for cancer immunotherapy. Another key aim of the group is to get a better understanding of how tumors can escape detection by the host immune system, for example by disruptions in tumor antigen presentation or recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Some of the newly developed immunotherapies in the group are also tested experimentally in patients at the Karolinska Hospital.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The project aims to develop novel strategies to improve cancer immunotherapies by targeting tumor-intrinsic pathways that govern key resistance mechanisms against T cell-mediated eradication, such as tumor dedifferentiation and transcriptional repression of tumor antigen presentation. The PhD student will build on a successful research line that has already uncovered a new pharmacological approach that strongly enhances melanoma immunogenicity. This has led to a patent that within this project will be further developed towards clinical application, for example by using our pharmacological approach to treat patient-derived melanoma cells to selectively expand tumor-reactive T cells ex vivo or in vivo. Therefore the candidate will not only focus on fundamental questions regarding tumor-intrinsic mechanisms that govern tumor immunogenicity and dedifferentiation, but will also conduct translational research in order to develop basic science findings to the clinic, for example for use in adoptive T cell therapies.

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

We are seeking a highly talented and enthusiastic individual who holds a master degree in the field of immuno-oncology or immunology. The candidate must have experience in doing research with small-molecular drugs targeting tumor-intrinsic mechanisms, as well as expertise in working with human T cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), and knowledge of techniques commonly used in immuno-oncology, such as flow cytometry, ELISA and tumor-T cell cocultures and chromium release assays to asses cytotoxicity. Strong analytical skills are a prerequisite, while it is a merit if the applicant has experience with software like Flowjo and Graphpad Prism. Background knowledge on molecular pathways involved in tumor immunogenicity (e.g. interferon signaling and tumor antigen presentation) and inflammation-induced tumor dedifferentiation is also highly desirable. The candidate should be self-motivated, have good communications skills and a proven ability to interact effectively and work productively in an interdisciplinary team. Fluency in English is a requirement. As this project has a crucial translational component, the candidate ideally also has a medical background that will enable her/him to understand the clinical relevance of the research done and to think ahead about its practical applicability.

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 oncology-pathology

Rolf Kiesslings group

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