Doctoral (PhD) student position in autoimmunity and inflammation

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 position is located within Ioannis Parodis’ research team at the Department of Medicine, Solna. Our research aims to contribute to improved diagnostics, surveillance, and management for people living with systemic lupus erythematosus. We focus on identification of biomarkers that reflect activity and portend flare, response or non-response to therapy, particularly B cell targeted therapies, and long-term outcome. We stress on patient-reported health status and patient participation in medical care.

The Department of Medicine in Solna is one of the largest departments at Karolinska Institutet. It provides clinical and undergraduate education for both medical and biomedical students, as well as research education, with currently more than 200 registered PhD students. We conduct cutting-edge research across various biomedical fields. A key strength of the department is its close proximity to patients, which creates excellent opportunities to integrate basic research with patient-centered studies in a clinical environment.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The project aims to explore the molecular mechanisms that contribute to susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, with a specific focus on the genetics and genomics of the HLA locus. The successful candidate will be responsible for formulating and adapting work plans aligned with the project objectives, designing and conducting both wet lab and computational experiments, and analysing results. Regular discussions with supervisors and team members are essential for refining goals, finalizing outcomes, drafting manuscripts, and preparing them for publication. Throughout the doctoral program, the doctoral student is expected to attend mandatory and relevant supplementary courses in genetics, immunology, and bioinformatics. Active participation in the scientific network of the department and Karolinska Institutet is crucial, including involvement in international collaborations.

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 ideal candidate should have a solid foundation in basic bioinformatics for genetic and transcriptomic analyses, including proficiency in single-cell analyses. Mandatory skills include proficiency in R and Python programming. Wet lab experience is essential, covering experimental work with human cell lines and primary blood cells, sample preparation for DNA and RNA bulk and single-cell sequencing, generation of recombinant constructs, and functional studies of human blood cells ex vivo and in vitro. Proficiency in immunological assays, such as ELISA, western blotting, and flow cytometry, is crucial. Previous knowledge of the HLA structure and function is highly desirable.

The candidate must demonstrate experience working in an international environment, showcasing strong interpersonal skills while also being capable of independent work. Additionally, the ability to adapt to changing environments or methodologies, as well as to challenges, is essential, along with the capacity to analyse information objectively and make informed decisions. Highly desirable traits include a willingness to take the lead and drive projects forward independently, as well as strong organisational skills and efficient time management.

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.

Division of Rheumatology: https://ki.se/en/meds/research/division-of-rheumatology

Ioannis Parodis team: https://ki.se/en/research/research-areas-centres-and-networks/research-groups/clinical-and-translational-research-within-lupus-and-autoimmunity-team-ioannis-parodis

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