PhD position in T cell biology and immunotherapy

Karlstad University; Solna kommun; On-site; SEK 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research institution in Sweden is looking for a PhD candidate to work on exciting research in T cell biology and immunotherapy. The role involves developing tools for clinical applications and dissecting T cell functionalities. The ideal candidate has a master's degree and experience in relevant areas. This is a full-time position with an inspiring research environment.

Benefits

Access to a modern gym

Reimbursements for medical care

Qualifications

• Strong interest in immunology, molecular biology and genome engineering.
• Experience with cell culture and basic molecular biology tools.
• Good knowledge in English, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Devote oneself to a research project under supervision.
• Dissect the differentiation and function of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells.
• Develop translational tools for clinical applications.

Skills

Strong interest in immunology

Experience with cell culture

Experience with PCR and cloning

Experience with primary immune cell cultures

Experiences in transcriptional or epigenetic analyses

Ability to work independently

Good knowledge in English

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Job description

PhD position in T cell biology and immunotherapy

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 doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The use of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) in T cells has transformed the field of cell therapies for some cancers but has not proven efficacious against most solid tumors. We have deciphered pathways for cytotoxic lymphocyte differentiation, including tissue‑resident cytotoxic subsets. A current goal of the lab is to dissect cytotoxic lymphocyte function and use insights to maximize the potential of CAR‑T cell therapies. The outlined project initially aims to dissect the differentiation and function of differentiated cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. These studies will be performed in human primary cells or cell lines, and potentially in humanized mouse models, with goals to develop translational tools for clinical applications.

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. 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. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Eligibility requirements for doctoral education

General eligibility (A):

• have been awarded a second‑cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or
• 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
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Specific eligibility (B):

• Show proficiency in English equivalent to the course English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school.

Verification of documents, policies and further details can be found on the Karolinska Institutet website.

Skills and personal qualities

• Strong interest in immunology, molecular biology and genome engineering and a master’s degree or equivalent.
• Experience with cell culture and basic molecular biology tools, such as PCR and cloning (required).
• Experiences working with primary immune cell cultures from mouse or human cells (meritorious).
• Experiences in transcriptional or epigenetic analyses, analyses of high‑throughput sequencing data, or other bioinformatical analyses (meritorious).
• Ability to contribute to a collaborative environment in the lab and meet deadlines and work independently.
• Good knowledge in English, written and spoken (required).

Terms and conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship for a maximum of 4 years full‑time.

Application process

Submit your application and supporting documents through the Varbi recruitment system. We prefer that your application is written in English, but you can also apply in Swedish.

Documents required:

• 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. Qualifications will be evaluated on an overall basis.

Assessment bases:

• 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

Job details

Type of employment: PhD placement

Contract type: Full time

First day of employment: According to agreement

Salary: Monthly salary

Number of positions: 1

Full‑time equivalent: 100

City: Stockholm

County: Stockholms län

Country: Sweden

Reference number: STÖD 2‑4490/2025

Published: 2025‑11‑19

Last application date: 2025‑12‑09

Contact

• Professor Yenan Bryceson, Recruiting manager, [email protected]
• Anna Heinerö, HR‑Partner, [email protected]

Union representatives

• Peter Svensson, SACO, [email protected]
• Mari Gilljam, OFR, [email protected]
• Elizabeth Valenzuela, SEKO, [email protected]