Doctoral (PhD) student position in NK cell biology

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 Michaëlsson group studies the development, differentiation, and regulation of human lymphocytes, primarily Natural Killer cells and other innate lymphoid cells, in tissues and blood from development in utero to adulthood. In addition to contributing to a deeper knowledge of basic lymphocyte biology, our long-term goal is to translate our findings to therapeutic settings where Natural Killer cells and other lymphocytes can be exploited, e.g. in tumor therapies.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes best known for killing virus-infected and transformed cells. They have recently gained substantial interest as effector cells in cellular therapies against several cancers. It has become increasingly clear that NK cells are highly heterogenous based on variable gene and protein expression, but that the NK cell repertoire is surprisingly stable over time in adults. How a stable repertoire of distinct NK cell subsets can be maintained over time remains unclear but could involve a fixed output of NK cell clones from distinct precursors as well as a fixed homeostatic proliferation of NK cell clones. In order to maintain a stable repertoire, each NK cell clone that contributes to the repertoire would therefore require some form of clonal heritable features that is maintained during cell division. We have previously shown that heritable clonal transcription can impart a strong layer of stable transcriptional variability in CD8+ T cells (Mold et al, Cell Reports, 2021, Cell Systems, 2024). To what extent the composition of other immune cell types, including NK cells, are maintained by clonally stable heritable states however remains unknown.

The overall aim of the current project is to dissect how human NK cells are shaped by clonal heritability, to exploit these clonally distinct traits to understand NK cell-tumor interactions, and in the long term to tailor NK cell based adoptive therapies. The project involves advanced techniques, including multiparameter flow cytometry, single cell sequencing, single cell cloning, and functional assays with tumor cells. In addition to learning to master experimental techniques and driving the project, the successful candidate will take part in research-related activities such as group meetings, seminars, national/international meetings, as well as laboratory routines of the group. Finally, the PhD student will work to fulfil the course requirements of the PhD program as outlined in the relevant rules and documentation available at the ki.se website.

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 and curious person with a desire to use their talent to dissect how clonal heritability shapes human NK cells and downstream interactions with tumor cells. The successful candidate should be proficient in English and have excellent communications skills. As the project involves working closely with other researchers, we put a strong emphasis on the interest and ability to work in a highly collaborative environment.

The successful candidate should have experience in working with primary human cells. Practical experience of working with primary human NK cells and advanced flow cytometry analysis are strongly meriting. Experience of RNA sequencing analysis and analysis of data using R or python are also meriting.

We place great emphasis on 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.

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