Summary
Karolinska Institutet is inviting applications for a fully funded Doctoral (PhD) Student Position in the research group of Dr. Hong Qian at the Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge. The project focuses on translational research investigating the leukemic bone marrow microenvironment/niche in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to identify novel therapeutic targets.
Doctoral Position in Translational Research on Leukemia Niche
Key Information Overview
| Parameter | Details |
| Position Title | Doctoral position in translational research on leukemia niche |
| Designation | Doctoral Student (PhD Candidate) |
| Host Institution | Karolinska Institutet |
| Department / Center | Department of Medicine, Huddinge (MedH) / Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM) |
| Research Group | Hong Qian’s Research Group |
| Supervisors | Dr. Hong Qian (Main Supervisor), Dr. Martin Jädersten, Dr. Petter Woll (Co-supervisors) |
| Location | Flemingsberg Campus, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden |
| Duration & Employment | 4 years full-time doctoral studentship (salaried position) |
| Application Deadline | September 25, 2026 |
Research Area
- Field: Translational Hematology, Stem Cell Biology, and Cancer Biology.
- Focus: Investigating the role of the leukemic microenvironment (niche) in disease progression, extra-medullary infiltration, and therapy resistance in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
- Key Methodologies: Multi-color flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, lineage tracing, in vitro/in vivo stem cell assays (co-culture and transplantation models), RNA sequencing, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Applicants must meet both general and specific eligibility requirements for third-cycle (doctoral) education by the application deadline:
- General Eligibility:
- Awarded a second-cycle (Master’s level) qualification/degree; or
- Completed at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 credits were earned at the advanced/Master’s level; or
- Acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.
- Specific Eligibility (English Proficiency):
- Documented English proficiency equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6 / English B (e.g., via approved TOEFL, IELTS scores, or eligible university degrees).
Scholarship / Position Description & Benefits
- Employment Status: Appointed on an official doctoral studentship, which provides a monthly contractual salary following Swedish university standard doctoral wage agreements.
- Training & Development: Comprehensive training under expert supervision, access to advanced core facilities, a broad curriculum of doctoral courses, and opportunities for international collaborations.
- Additional Benefits: Access to staff health benefits, including free access to modern campus gyms and reimbursement for healthcare expenses.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted digitally via the Karolinska Institutet Varbi recruitment portal:
- Visit the Karolinska Institutet Application Portal.
- Log in or create a personal account (use a private email address).
- Upload required documentation:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Cover letter / Letter of motivation.
- Degree certificates and official transcripts of records proving general and specific eligibility.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- Contact details of academic/professional referees.
Last Date for Apply
- Application Deadline: September 25, 2026 (23:59 CET)
