Karolinska Institutet is inviting applications for a doctoral student position focused on immunometabolism for alphavirus therapeutics. This PhD project (DC12) is part of the MERIT MSCA Doctoral Network and aims to define alphavirus-induced immunometabolic changes to identify novel host-directed therapies for viruses like chikungunya (CHIKV).
| University/Organization | Karolinska Institutet |
|---|---|
| Designation | Doctoral Student (PhD Candidate) |
| Research Area | Immunometabolism, Systems Virology, and Infection Biology |
| Location | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Duration | 4 years (Full-time) |
| Application Deadline | October 30, 2026 |
Designation
Doctoral Student / PhD Placement
Research Area
The research focuses on Immunometabolic Engineering for Next-Generation Alphavirus Therapeutics. The project involves using human iPSC-derived models, multi-omics, metabolic modelling, and organoids to understand how alphaviruses reprogram host-cell metabolism and immune responses.
Location
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Eligibility/Qualification
To be eligible, candidates must meet both the general and specific requirements for doctoral education at Karolinska Institutet, as well as the MSCA Doctoral Network mobility rules:
- General Eligibility: Must hold a Master’s degree (second-cycle qualification) or have completed at least 240 credits (with 60 credits at the advanced level).
- Specific Eligibility: Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6.
- MSCA Mobility Rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately preceding the employment date.
- Academic Status: Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree.
- Desirable Skills: Experience in mammalian cell culture, iPSC-derived models, organoids, virology, molecular biology, and familiarity with omics technologies or R programming.
Scholarship Description
The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship for a maximum of four years. The project provides training at the interface of virology, immunometabolism, stem-cell biology, and computational modelling. Key objectives include identifying host-directed therapeutic targets and validating them in human neuronal organoid models. The position includes a contractual salary, access to modern gym facilities, and reimbursements for medical care.
How to Apply
Important: Applicants must submit their application through two separate portals for the application to be considered complete:
- Apply via the MERIT website at merit-eu.org/careers.
- Apply via the Karolinska Institutet (Varbi) recruitment system using the link provided below.
The application should include a personal letter, CV, degree projects/publications, and documents certifying general and specific eligibility.
Last Date for Apply
The application deadline is October 30, 2026.
Apply Link
Click here to apply at Karolinska Institutet
