Karolinska Institutet is inviting applications for a PhD position focused on the development and implementation of advanced HIV-1 reservoir diagnostics. This doctoral project is part of the national Graduate School: Biomedical Laboratory Scientists for Excellence – Future Educators in Health and Medical Care (BioLabX). The successful candidate will join the research team of Maarten van de Klundert within the Department of Medicine, Huddinge.
Designation
PhD Student (Doctoral Researcher)
Key Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | Karolinska Institutet |
| Department | Department of Medicine, Huddinge (Centrum of Infectious Medicine) |
| Location | Huddinge (Campus Flemingsberg), Sweden |
| Employment Type | Full-time (4-year doctoral studentship) |
| Reference Number | STÖD 2-3548/2026 |
| Application Deadline | November 13, 2026 |
Research Area
The research project focuses on molecular virology, HIV-1 immunology, and bioinformatics. Specifically, the doctoral student will investigate the HIV-1 reservoir in clinical samples, establishing and optimizing workflows for proviral DNA analysis to characterize genetic diversity, drug-resistance mutations, and other sequence features.
Scholarship Description
The doctoral student will be employed on a contractual salary for a maximum of four years of full-time education. Benefits include:
- Access to a modern international research environment at ANA Futura Laboratory.
- Free access to a modern gym and reimbursement for medical care.
- Participation in the BioLabX program, including shared doctoral courses, seminars, workshops, and annual retreats.
- Opportunities for international exchange through Karolinska Institutet’s global collaborations.
Eligibility/Qualification
General Eligibility
To be eligible for doctoral education, applicants must have:
- A second-cycle/Master’s degree, OR
- Completed at least 240 credits (including 60 credits at the Master’s level), OR
- Acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.
Specific Requirements
- Professional Degree: Only graduated Biomedical Laboratory Scientists are eligible to apply for this specific position under the BioLabX program.
- Language: Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6/B.
Desirable Skills
- Experience in molecular biology, microbiology, or virology laboratory work.
- Experience with DNA/RNA sequencing (NGS) and phylogeny.
- Basic programming or bioinformatics skills (R, Python, Linux).
- Familiarity with immunological assays such as FACS, ELIspot, or PBMC isolation.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system. The application should be written in English (preferred) or Swedish and must include:
- A personal letter and a Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Degree projects and any previous publications.
- Documentation certifying general and specific eligibility requirements.
- Supporting documents for desirable skills and qualities.
Last Date for Apply
November 13, 2026
Apply Link
