PhD student position in development of radiopharmaceutical therapy based on biologics

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

Our research focuses on the development of radiopharmaceuticals for precision diagnostics, therapy and monitoring of cancer diseases.

Our research focuses on the development of targeted radiopharmaceuticals for theranostics, i.e. radioactive drugs that can be used both for therapy and diagnostics. Read more about our research at TRANslational Theranostics Group – Thuy Tran

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We are seeking a motivated and inquisitive PhD student to join our team in advancing the development of antibody-based radiopharmaceuticals aimed at enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic cancers. Our research focuses on the next generation of radiopharmaceuticals for both molecular imaging and targeted therapy of solid tumors, including prostate cancer, breast cancer, and pediatric malignancies such as neuroblastoma.

As a doctoral student, you will be an integral part of a multidisciplinary consortium that brings together expertise in drug screening, target validation, radiochemistry, preclinical models, and clinical translation. While the broader program encompasses a full translational pipeline, your project will primarily concentrate on:

• Radiolabelling development and optimization
• In vitro characterization of radiolabelled compounds
• In vivo evaluation in preclinical tumor models
• Preparation for translational studies, including GMP adaptation and early-phase trial readiness

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative research at the intersection of cancer biology, radiopharmacy, and nuclear medicine—working toward real-world impact in precision oncology.

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

Qualifications:

• You hold a qualifying degree in a relevant field or in applied life sciences such as medicine, radiopharmacy, pharmacy, drug development, biomedicine, and medical biotechnology, Biology or equivalent
• Experience in antibody/biologics engineering, conjugation/radiolabellling, cell culture techniques and animal handlings.
• The applicant is fluent in English.

Merits:

• The candidate is a curious, driven person who is able to work independently after some training.
• You possess analytical skills of HPLC and TLC instrumentations for characterization of peptides and monoclonal antibodies.
• Earlier experiences of work with radiation, radiolabelling developments, especially involving radiometals
• Earlier experiences with cell culturing, immunohistochemistry and animal studies
• A person who takes initiative while being a collaborative team player and contributes to the team. In this recruitment we put high preference on the personal suitability. 

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.

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