Doctoral (PhD) student position in structural virology and immunology

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 Division of Infectious Diseases performs research and education in close collaboration with the Karolinska University Hospital. The research teams address a wide range of infectious diseases using clinical, epidemiological and experimental approaches.

The Hanke research team is interested in emerging and re-emerging viruses. We combine functional analysis and structural approaches to study viruses and the immune responses against them. Our work aims to understand fundamental aspects of infection and has implications for vaccine development and the rational design of antiviral therapies.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

In this project, the PhD candidate will investigate structural details of the host cell entry of several viruses that possess an elevated pandemic potential. The candidate will use a systematic approach to uncover structural and mechanistic insights that are crucial for guiding the development of effective vaccines and antiviral treatments. The project involves extensive cryo-EM studies of viral proteins with and without inhibitors, computational structural biology to improve inhibitors, and - to a smaller extent - protein biochemistry and virological wet lab methods. The PhD candidate is expected to take a strong lead in the analysis and interpretation of the results and requires a creative approach to immunology and protein biochemistry to design novel antivirals. Through these efforts, the PhD candidate will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in virology and immunology, ultimately aiding in the preparation for future pandemics.

The doctoral student will be supervised by Dr. Leo Hanke and co-supervised by Dr. Martin Hällberg and Dr. Carl Johan Hagströmer and will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive training.

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 looking for a talented, highly motivated candidate interested in structural biology at the intersection of virology and immunology. Qualified candidates have recently obtained a master’s degree and experience in both computational and wet lab work. The ideal candidate has experience or a strong interest in structural biology and cryo-EM, and is comfortable working on a Linux system. Experience with other biophysical methods is also of merit.

The projects are pursued in an interdisciplinary and international environment that involves collaboration with several groups; therefore, good collaborative skills are necessary. Fluency in English is mandatory.

Terms and conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

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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.

https://ki.se/en/about-ki/jobs-at-ki/choose-to-work-at-ki-ten-reasons-why

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