Doctoral (PhD) student position in molecular immunology with a focus on structural and biophysical studies of T cell and NK cell receptors, and their interactions with different MHC/peptide complexes - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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 research group of Professor Adnane Achour, which belongs to the department of medicine in Solna, and the division of infectious diseases, is localized within the Science for Life Laboratory (scilifelab.se). The research projects of the Achour group bridge immunology, biophysical chemistry and structural biology. Besides X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), techniques comprised within the proposed projects include molecular biology, functional immunology, biochemistry (including the production and isolation of proteins and protein complexes using a large array of different techniques), and biophysical approaches, such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR, Biacore), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and microscale thermophoresis (MST).

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The overall aims of the project are to assess the molecular bases underlying recognition of MHC class I molecules in complex with different peptides by T cell and NK cell receptors, and the effects of altered peptide ligands on T and NK cell responses. The proposed projects represent a unique opportunity for a PhD student to acquire deep insights into immunology, biochemistry and structural biology using a variety of techniques already well-established within the Achour laboratory and the laboratory of the co-supervisor Professor Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren (Center for Infectious Medicine (CIM), department of medicine Huddinge, Karolinska University Hospital). The duties/tasks and responsibilities of the PhD candidate are to lead the projects under the leadership of the supervisors, and in close collaboration with the colleagues within the research group. By the end of the PhD study period, the candidate should have acquired a deep knowledge in immunology and biochemistry, as well as a broad knowledge in structural biology and biophysical protein-protein affinity measurements. The PhD candidate should demonstrate excellent ability to design, perform, interpret, critically assess and contextualize generated data from experimental work. Furthermore, the PhD candidate should demonstrate aptitude to discuss and spread research results to both the national and international scientific and non-scientific communities.

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 eligible candidate must hold a Master´s degree in structural biology, immunology, biophysics, mathematics, biomedicine, biotechnology, virology, cell biology or equivalent. Previous experience in molecular biology and biochemistry, especially production, refolding and isolation of protein and protein complexes is highly desirable. Insights in structural biology, especially the analysis of X-ray three-dimensional structures and molecular simulations of protein dynamics would be very advantageous. Previous experience of working with T cell receptors and/or NK cell receptors, as well as MHC class I molecules in complex with different peptides would also be highly advantageous. We are seeking a highly motivated, driven, creative person with excellent technical skills. The successful applicant should be fluent in English, with excellent communication capacity combined with the ability to interact effectively and work productively in a research team. Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability as well as genuine enthusiasm for the topic(s).

Terms and conditions

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

--[Video about Karolinska Institutet, how we all work towards "a better health for all"] -

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.

Location

The position is located within the Department of Medicine, Solna. The department consists of eleven divisions and each division consists of several research groups. The position is located within the research group of Professor Adnane Achour, localized within the Science for Life (SciLifeLab), a national resource of unique technologies and a community of scientists in areas such as biomedicine, ecology and evolution. The Achour research group makes use of X-ray crystallography, NMR and/or SAXS to study and understand receptor-ligand interactions between T or NK cell receptors and Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules presenting a wide array of pathogen- and/or cancer-associated epitopes. The structural studies are complemented by extensive biochemical and biophysical techniques.

www.scilifelab.se/researchers/adnane-achour

https://ki.se/en/people/adnane-achour

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