PhD-position in Molecular Immunology

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 Group

Welcome to the Peter Bergman-group at the Department of Laboratory Medicine. We perform research on translational immunology, where we combine clinically oriented projects with a focus on primary immunodeficiency (clinical studies, patient samples) with more basic projects about innate immunity and antimicrobial peptides (cell culture and zebrafish models). We are a dynamic team with well-established scientific and clinical collaborations. The group is placed in ANA Futura, a top modern research building with a large repertoire of researchers and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities.

The Division

The Division of Clinical Immunology has a broad focus, including projects related to primary immunodeficiency, B-cell immunology, cancer immunology, hematopoiesis, infection immunology and neuro-immunology. The climate is dynamic with a balanced mix between junior and senior scientists. The division is embedded in the creative scientific environment at ANA Futura with approximately 300 researchers under the same roof.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The planned PhD-project will focus on gene editing and off-target effects. The project will be performed in close collaboration with the research groups of Dr Joel Nordin and Dr Rula Zain and Professor Edvard Smith. The project will consist of 4 parts: Project 1. To study if base editing can correct a selected mutation in the BTK gene from an affected Swedish family. Project 2. To evaluate site-specific insertion of a BTK cDNA into the BTK locus. Project 3. Analyze safety, as determined by off-target screens, as part of the transition into the clinic. Project 4: A survey of thoughts and attitudes on gene-editing in patients with XLA. Overall, the project will involve both basic science as well as translational and clinical aspects of gene editing in inborn errors of immunity, with a focus on X-linked agammaglobulinemia.

As a PhD-student you will be involved in all parts of the project and will be expected to plan, execute experiments, compile, analyze as well as present data to the team on a regular basis.

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 seek a curious and highly motivated student with a strong background in molecular and cellular biology and bioinformatics. The project will involve handling of large datasets and experience of programming will be required. Experience of translational projects will be a merit in the selection process. The candidate should also have a good team spirit and bring a keen interest in solving intricate scientific questions in immunology and molecular biology.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (in English written and verbal) is required. Emphasis will be also placed on personal suitability, fitting well into the current research group and collaborating teams.

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.

Please, find links to the involved teams below.

Primary Immunodeficiency, Innate Immunity and Antimicrobial peptides – Peter Bergman Research Group/The AMP-group | Karolinska Institutet

Research group Joel Nordin | Karolinska Institutet

Molecular Cell Biology and Gene Therapy Science | Karolinska Institutet

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