Karolinska Institutet invites applications from talented, highly motivated candidates for a Doctoral (PhD) student position in cellular and molecular immunology. Based at the Department of Medicine, Solna, and situated in the renowned Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), this 4-year fully funded doctoral placement offers an exceptional research environment to investigate fundamental cell fate decisions in the immune system.
Doctoral (PhD) Student Position in Cellular and Molecular Immunology at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
Overview & Key Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Position / Designation | Doctoral (PhD) Student / PhD Placement |
| Research Area | Cellular and Molecular Immunology (Lymphocyte Biology) |
| Host Institution | Karolinska Institutet (Department of Medicine, Solna) |
| Location | Solna, Stockholm County, Sweden |
| Employment Type | Full-time (100%), 4-year doctoral studentship |
| Remuneration | Contractual salary according to Karolinska Institutet’s doctoral salary scale, plus employee benefits |
| Application Deadline | September 22, 2026 |
Research Area
The successful applicant will join the Laboratory of Lymphocyte Biology (Team Taras Kreslavskiy) within the Division of Immunology and Respiratory Medicine. The research group explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cell fate decisions in the immune system, specifically focusing on:
- Specificity, development, and function of innate-like lymphocytes.
- Regulation of cell fate decisions in humoral immune responses.
The project integrates both in vivo and in vitro experimental models alongside advanced techniques such as flow cytometry, molecular biology assays, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and bioinformatic analysis.
Scholarship / Position Description
As a doctoral student at Karolinska Institutet, you will be employed on a standard doctoral studentship for up to four years of full-time education. You will receive a structured individual study plan under the mentorship of experienced researchers, full contractual salary, access to modern research facilities, free gym membership, and medical care reimbursements.
Key duties include:
- Designing, executing, and optimizing cellular and molecular immunology experiments.
- Analyzing and interpreting complex experimental and genomic/bioinformatic datasets.
- Presenting findings at internal seminars and international scientific conferences.
- Authoring and co-authoring scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Candidates must satisfy both general and specific eligibility requirements for third-cycle (PhD) studies in Sweden by the application deadline:
1. General Eligibility Requirements
- Hold a second-cycle/advanced/Master’s qualification (e.g., MSc degree); or
- Have completed course requirements comprising at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 credits are at the advanced/Master’s level; or
- Have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.
2. Specific Eligibility Requirements
- Demonstrated proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English B/English 6 (certified via internationally recognized tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or previous university-level education).
3. Desirable Skills and Personal Qualities
- Prior practical wet lab experience in immunology, molecular biology, or biochemistry.
- Familiarity with flow cytometry, scRNA-seq, or bioinformatics is advantageous.
- Strong problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and enthusiasm for fundamental science.
- Excellent collaborative spirit and interpersonal communication skills in English.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically via the Varbi recruitment portal. Ensure all required documentation is uploaded in English (or Swedish):
- A personal cover letter describing your research interests and motivation.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic background, experimental skills, and publications/presentations (if any).
- Copies of degree certificates, transcripts, and Master’s thesis/degree project.
- Documentation certifying general and specific eligibility requirements.
- Contact information of academic referees.
For inquiries regarding the scientific project, you may contact the Principal Investigator, Taras Kreslavskiy, at taras.kreslavskiy@ki.se (Reference number: STÖD 2-3524/2026).
Important Links & Deadline
- Application Deadline: September 22, 2026
- Official Application Portal: Apply Online via Varbi
