Doctoral (PhD) position in ATMP development targeting viruses and 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

The Department of Laboratory Medicine consists of seven divisions engaged in both research and teaching. The department conducts advanced research, encompassing both basic and applied science, and all divisions work in close collaboration with clinicians at Karolinska University Hospital.

At ANA Futura, we provide a dynamic and collaborative research environment that fosters innovation and interdisciplinary exchange. Doctoral students benefit from excellent opportunities to interact with fellow researchers and engage in meaningful collaborations across diverse scientific groups.

The doctoral student will belong to the Division of Clinical Microbiology and the VIVAC research group (Vaccines and Immunotherapies against Viruses and Cancer), which focuses on vaccine development and immunotherapies targeting infectious diseases and cancer. The project will also involve close collaboration with a research group at the Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine (BCM) that develop novel and innovative drug delivery technologies capable of safely and efficiently delivering proteins, RNAs, or gene therapies to target tissues.

The division is affiliated with the Karolinska ATMP Center, and the selected PhD candidate will be part of the National ATMP Research School, a collaboration among Sweden’s leading higher education institutions aimed at preparing professionals with in-depth knowledge and research experience in the development and clinical application of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs).

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Developing technologies for direct in vivo delivery of genes to treat viral infections and cancer

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), T-cell receptors (TCRs), and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have already demonstrated their therapeutic potential in treating cancer and chronic viral infections. However, these biologics are complex and costly to produce. This project will explore an innovative approach: delivering the genes encoding mAbs, TCRs, or CARs directly in vivo, targeting specific organs to simplify treatment and reduce costs. This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to next-generation immunotherapies and gene-based treatments that can benefit patients.

The successful candidate will investigate key challenges including:

• Designing effective mRNA or DNA formulations for gene expression
• Achieving targeted delivery to specific tissues
• Optimizing expression efficiency and therapeutic impact

The doctoral student will receive comprehensive training in the production, formulation, and analysis of DNA and mRNA. The student will also learn a range of in vitro and in vivo techniques to study gene expression and function following delivery, along with other established methods routinely used in the laboratory.

The student will be thoroughly trained in experimental planning and protocol optimization and will learn to independently design experiments, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. The student will also develop skills in scientific communication, presenting findings both orally and in written form. As part of the research team, the student is expected to actively participate in regular lab meetings and present his/her work at national and international conferences and scientific events.

The project will be carried out in research laboratories and at the pre-GMP facility at ANA Futura in close collaboration with researchers in the group, at pre-GMP facility and the GMP facility Vecura at the Karolinska University Hospital. The project will furthermore include collaboration with several international collaborators.

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 looking for a driven and enthusiastic individual with a strong ability to work independently toward long-term research goals. The preferred candidate is self-motivated, curious about both scientific questions and methodologies, and demonstrates a strong problem-solving mindset. Essential attributes include precision, organization skills, and attention to details.

The candidate should be confident in taking initiative in the laboratory, open to new challenges, and possess a clear understanding of the responsibilities and ethical considerations associated with working with animal models. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute positively to a collaborative and supportive laboratory environment are highly valued.

Active participation in all aspects of the project, both the practical and theoretical aspects is expected. The student will have opportunities to contribute substantially to experimental design, data analysis, and scientific discussions.

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.

VIVAC research group: Vaccines and Immunotherapies against Viruses And Cancer

National ATMP Research School

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