Doctoral (PhD) student position in Molecular Virology and 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 Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at Karolinska Institutet conducts research and teaching within immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. Our key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, national and international collaborations.

The research group

The Nilsson-Payant lab in the Division of Virology and Immunology, a part of Gerald McInerny’s Research Group at the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) is focused on understanding the biology and pathogenesis of hantaviruses and other emerging negative-sense RNA viruses. We use highly innovative and novel research tools to understand viral genome replication and viral processes that contribute to the emergence and pathogenesis of neglected RNA viruses. The research lab is situated within MTC, a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment in which world-class science is being performed.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral student project will be focused on understanding virus-host interactions of hantaviruses in different host species and how these findings relate to the pathogenesis of hantaviruses in humans. The doctoral student will be expected to gain a deep understanding of the project-relevant literature; to develop their project and to carefully plan, perform, analyze and present experiments under the guidance of their supervisors; to present and disseminate research findings in scientific publications and at national and international scientific meetings; to manage internal and external collaborations related to their doctoral project.

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 an applicant with a strong interest and background in molecular virology, virus-host interactions and immunology. The candidate should have extensive practical experience in molecular biology, cell biology and virological methods. In addition, the candidate should have a high level of responsibility and independence and be able to effectively communicate and collaborate within our group and with other teams.

• RNA-based techniques including RT-qPCR, RT-PCR, Northern blots, RNA-seq
• Protein-based techniques including western blots, IFA
• Cell and virus culture techniques
• Previous experience of working with hantaviruses

Meritorious for the position:

• Previous experience of working with a range of other virus families

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.

Regulation of Gene Expression during Viral Infection – Gerald McInerney Group

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