Doctoral (PhD) student position in Stem cells and Brittle bone disease

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

Welcome to Cecilia Götherström’s research group at the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, ANA Futura (Karolinska Institutet, Flemingsberg). Here, we offer a dynamic and inspiring research environment with great opportunities for collaboration and interaction with other doctoral students and research groups.

Our research group is a leader in stem cell research and the translational development of stem cell-based medicines. We focus on improving the lives of children with congenital bone fragility, Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), and have achieved groundbreaking results through clinical trials with fetal mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Our advances in the treatment of OI have shown promising results and open doors for future medical innovations.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral project includes several objectives, such as identifying different sub-populations of MSC, developing better methods for GMP production of the MSC drug, increasing the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms at the cellular level for the disease OI, and studying the interactions between MSC and OI cells in various ex vivo research systems to understand how the “OI environment” affects MSC and vice versa.

The project will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers in the group and with other research groups, hospital clinics, and the GMP facility Vecura, Karolinska Cell Therapy Center.

The doctoral student will learn primary cell culture, virus-based tracking techniques, RNA isolation and sequencing, flow cytometry, and other methods established in the lab. The student will learn to plan experiments independently, optimize protocols as needed, collect, interpret, and analyze data, and present results both orally and in scientific texts. The doctoral student is expected to present their results at national and international conferences and meetings, as well as discuss the research and results at regular lab meetings.

Since the project starts in the fall of 2025, it is important that you are able to start no later than October 31.

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 motivated and enthusiastic individual able to work independently towards long-term goals. The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, both regarding the research questions and methods, be focused on solving problems, organized and accurate. Someone able to work productively both independently and in a team setting and contribute positively to the laboratory’s social environment. The candidate will be expected to actively participate in both the practical and theoretical aspects of the project and should have proficiency in English (written and spoken).

Requirements:

• A Master’s degree in Medicine, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Immunology or a related field (or equivalent upon starting the position)
• Good knowledge of spoken and written English

Preferred qualifications (Meritorious):

• Practical experience in cell isolation from tissues/blood and aseptic cell culture, preferably of adherent cells or stem cells
• Practical experience in immunological assays
• Practical experience in multiparametric flow cytometry/cell sorting and analysis of high-dimensional data
• Experience with statistical methods

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)

You are welcome to submit your application no later than August 22, 2025.

Interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis.

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.

Location: Flemingsberg

Cecilia Götherström | Karolinska Institutet

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