PhD Position in Glioblastoma Immunology

Are you driven by a desire to contribute to groundbreaking medical research?

The Sten Linnarsson Lab, part of the Unit of Molecular Neurobiology at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics (MBB), invites applications for a PhD student position. Our lab has a world-leading reputation for pioneering research on brain development using cutting-edge single-cell technologies. We are now focusing on unraveling the biology of glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive brain tumor, to identify new treatment targets.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We seek a highly motivated PhD student to lead a project in brain onco-immunology, specifically investigating the phenotype, location, and function of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment of glioblastoma. This role will immerse you in an intellectually stimulating research environment, where you will collaborate closely with an experienced postdoc in human immunology, as well as other PhD students, postdocs, staff scientists, clinicians, and research nurses.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a project focused on understanding immune dynamics in brain cancer.
• Perform isolation and biobanking of cells from human blood and tissues collected from brain cancer patients.
• Use cutting-edge techniques, including high-parameter flow cytometry, organoid cultures, scRNA/ATAC-seq, spatial proteomics/transcriptomics, and humanized animal models under the guidance of senior staff scientists.
• Conduct advanced computational analyses, supported by an experienced staff bioinformatician. 

What do we offer?

You will join a vibrant, creative environment where interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged. Our lab offers access to state-of-the-art techniques and resources, providing an ideal platform to push the boundaries of research in glioblastoma immunology. You’ll work closely with experts in the field, benefiting from mentorship and computational expertise to conduct impactful, high-quality research. 

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 creative, self-driven candidate with a passion for exploring new avenues in cancer immunology and brain biology. You should be well-organized, with excellent communication skills, and able to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Requirements:

• A Master’s degree in Medicine, Medical Science, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Bioengineering, Immunology, or a related field (or equivalent upon starting the position).
• Experience with multiparametric flow cytometry/cell sorting and high-dimensional data analysis.
• Competency in computational analysis.
• Practical experience in cell isolation from tissues/blood and/or in cell culture/immunological assays.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
• Strong interpersonal skills and positive references from previous research environments.

Preferred qualifications (Meritorious):

• Experience working with human immune cells, particularly mononuclear phagocytes.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with organoid cultures, functional immunological assays.
• Experience with scRNA-seq/scATAC-seq, spatial transcriptomics/proteomics, and related data analysis. 

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

1. Egle Kvedaraite, egle.kvedaraite@ki.se

1. Anurupa Nagchowdhury (OFR), anurupa.nagchowdhury@ki.se