Doctoral (PhD) student position in Applied Immunology & Immunotherapy

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 research group is headed by Prof Robert Harris that is a part of the Karolinska Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (KNIMS) center which gathers around 40 researchers working on different aspects of the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. The Applied Immunology & Immunotherapy group is physically located at the Centre for Molecular Medicine, a translational medical centre, and the research focus is developing innovative ways to treat chronic neurodegenerative diseases.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), chronic Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and glioma multiforme (GBM) brain tumors are all incurable and untreatable disease states characterized by neuroinflammation/neurodegeneration. We focus our research efforts on understanding the role of myeloid cells in these different disease settings, both in promoting disease symptoms and in promoting recovery.

The overall aim of this PhD project is to deepen the understanding of the link between neurotoxic metals and the neurodegenerative disorders ALS and MS by implementing an interdisciplinary project design and a collaboration between specialists in neurology, immunology, epidemiology, (Karolinska Institutet), and spectroscopy and biophysics (Stockholm University). The scientific hypothesis addressed is that environmental exposure to neurotoxic metals adversely affects immune cell function and predisposes individuals to development of neurodegenerative disease. We are looking for a PhD student who will measure metal concentrations in body fluids and bones from ALS and MS patients and controls, and to develop a non-invasive metal measurement protocol and compare its efficacy to invasive methods. The immunological outcomes of exposure to neurotoxic metals will also be studied using experimental models of ALS/MS as well as brain organoid cultures.

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

You should have a sound knowledge of basic chemistry, as well as proven experience in lab techniques such as PCR, western blot, cell culture, viability/cytotoxicity assays, immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy. Maintaining a thorough lab work record with organized data and a good oral and written communication of the results will be required. 

It is particularly meritorious that the applicant has:

• Previous experience of chemical analyses of metals and spectroscopy
• Previous experience in cell extraction and handling from tissue, FACS and cell sorting, as well as immunological assays
• Previous experience in working with experimental animal models

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 the Department of Clinical Neuroscience
Read more about the research group you will be a part of

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