Doctoral (PhD) Student Position in Tumor Cell Plasticity and Metastasis

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 Department of Laboratory Medicine (LabMed) bridges basic and clinical science and plays a key role in translational research, benefiting from strong basic science expertise, high technical capacity, and access to clinical material. LabMed is KI’s third largest teaching department and actively collaborates with academia, healthcare, and industry.

Ninety percent of all cancer deaths are caused by metastasis. Our group studies the early steps of this process, focusing on how tumor cells acquire plasticity, migrate, and invade into blood and lymphatic vessels. We are particularly interested in cancer stem cells (CSCs), a minority population capable of initiating metastases and therapy resistance. Our long-term goal is to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tumor cell plasticity and metastasis, ultimately advancing discoveries into clinical applications.

We run several national and international collaborations, and our lab fosters an open, creative, and highly interactive environment that transcends departmental and national boundaries.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Each year, more than 1.5 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and 90% of cancer deaths result from metastatic disease. In triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), metastasis to the brain is particularly devastating, with few therapeutic options beyond palliative care.

The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key plasticity program that enables cancer cells to leave the primary tumor and colonize distant sites. EMT induction relies on cues from the tumor microenvironment, particularly TGFβ signaling, and gives rise to a quiescent, drug-resistant cell population. These EMT-driven cells evade current therapies targeting proliferative cells, contributing to relapse and poor patient outcomes.

This PhD project will investigate molecular inducers of EMT in TNBC and dissect the mechanisms by which EMT drives invasion and resistance. The student will use both in vitro and in vivo models, working with TNBC patient samples and applying a range of molecular and cellular biology approaches, including qPCR, Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, RNA immunoprecipitation, and advanced mouse models.

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 student with a background in molecular biology, biomedicine, or equivalent. The ideal candidate should:

Be a strong team player, independent, and curious. Have prior experience in TNBC biology, molecular biology techniques, or tissue imaging. Experience with m6A methylation assays, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, and advanced mouse models (intracardiac, intracranial, and mammary duct injections) is highly desirable. Knowledge of rRNA biology and translation regulation is a strong merit. Have excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken. 

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