Doctoral position in targeting G protein-coupled receptors in cancer

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

Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs team, led by Dr. Paweł Kozielewicz within the research group of Prof. Gunnar Schulte, focuses on understanding the mechanisms of activation and signal initiation of orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The insights gained from this research aim to provide a foundation for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

For the most recent publications, please see:

1. Andersson, L., Roggia, M., Wangriatisak, K., Gil, M., Chemin, K., Cosconati, S.&, Kozielewicz, P., AI-Driven Virtual Screening and First-in-Class Conformational Biosensor Enable the Discovery of a GPR183 Inverse Agonist, (2025) biorXiv (preprint), doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.06.19.659764
2. Tsang, C.H., De Rosa, A., Kozielewicz, P., Identification and molecular characterization of missense mutations in orphan GPCR GPR61 occurring in severe obesity, (2025) Molecular Pharmacology, 107 (4), 100026
3. Tsang, C.H., Kozielewicz, P., Exploring G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Hematological Cancers, (2024) ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, 7 (12), pp. 4000-4009
4. Sajkowska, J.J., Tsang, C.H., Kozielewicz, P., Application of FRET- and BRET-based live-cell biosensors in deorphanization and ligand discovery studies on orphan G protein-coupled receptors, (2024) SLAS Discovery, 29 (6), 100174
5. Grätz, L., Sajkowska-Kozielewicz, J.J., Wesslowski, J., Kinsolving, J., Bridge, L.J., Petzold, K., Davidson, G., Schulte, G., Kozielewicz, P., NanoBiT- and NanoBiT/BRET-based assays allow the analysis of binding kinetics of WNT-3A to endogenous Frizzled 7 in a colorectal cancer model, (2024) British Journal of Pharmacology, 181 (20), pp. 3819-3835

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The project aims to uncover previously unidentified interactions and signalling mechanisms of orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in cancer cells. Using proximity labelling, CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering, proteomics, and BRET-based biosensors, the doctoral student will also analyse how GPCR signalling differs between overexpressed and endogenously expressed receptors and explore ligand interactions through both experimental and in silico approaches.

The doctoral student will be responsible for planning and performing laboratory experiments, generating and validating engineered cell lines and biosensors, analyzing proteomics and BRET datasets, and contributing to the identification of novel receptor ligands through both experimental and in silico approaches. The exact direction of the project will be shaped by the data generated, and the doctoral student may also participate in other ongoing projects in the laboratory. The student is expected to work both independently and collaboratively within the research group, present results at internal and external meetings, participate in doctoral courses and learning activities, engage in teaching activities.

As scientific publication is a central component of doctoral education - and a core principle of the supervisor’s philosophy of how science should be conducted - the supervisor is fully committed to supporting the student in producing rigorous, high-quality, publishable research. Multiple publications are expected throughout the PhD.

The project includes collaboration with Prof. Sandro Cosconati (University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Italy) in computational ligand screening and molecular modelling.

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 substantial, documented experience in the key concepts as well as methodological areas relevant to the project (receptor pharmacology, molecular biology, cell biology, and data analysis) Prior experience in GPCR pharmacology is a strong merit. Additional skills in bioinformatics are considered valuable assets.

We are looking for a candidate who can work efficiently, learn quickly, and maintain momentum in a fast-paced research environment. You should be able to grasp new ideas rapidly, listen carefully, and integrate feedback into your work.

The ideal candidate demonstrates:

• strong organizational abilities
• clear and effective communication skills
• a proactive, initiative-driven attitude
• willingness to engage in critical scientific discussions and respectfully challenge ideas

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.

https://ki.se/en/people/pawel-kozielewicz

https://www.kozielewicz.com/ 

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