PhD Position in Hematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden

Summary

Karolinska Institutet is inviting applications for a fully funded, 4-year PhD position (doctoral studentship) in the research group of Sidinh Luc, situated within the Division of Clinical Immunology at the Department of Laboratory Medicine. The doctoral project focuses on investigating how hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) heterogeneity and aging influence the emergence and behavior of leukemic stem cells—particularly in BCR-ABL1–driven leukemias such as CML and Ph+ ALL. The selected candidate will combine wet-lab experimental biology with high-throughput single-cell omics and computational analyses.

Designation

Doctoral Student (PhD Candidate / PhD Placement)

Key Information Overview

Research Area

• Field: Hematopoiesis, Stem Cell Biology, and Molecular Oncology / Hematology.
• Core Topics: Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology, cellular heterogeneity, stem cell aging, leukemic transformation, and disease progression in BCR-ABL1–driven malignancies (CML, Ph+ ALL).
• Methodologies: Flow cytometry, in vivo mouse models, in vitro assays, single-cell RNA/multi-omics sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis.

Location

Stockholm (Stockholms län), Sweden — Karolinska Institutet (Department of Laboratory Medicine).

Eligibility & Qualifications

1. General Eligibility Requirements (A)

Applicants must satisfy at least one of the following criteria by the application deadline:

• Hold an awarded second-cycle/master’s degree, OR
• Completed coursework comprising at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 credits were completed at the master/second-cycle level, OR
• Have attained substantially equivalent knowledge either in Sweden or abroad.

2. Specific Eligibility Requirements (B)

• English language proficiency equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6 / English B (certified through recognized English tests such as IELTS/TOEFL or eligible university degrees taught entirely in English).

3. Required Skills & Personal Qualities

• Mandatory: At least 1 year of hands-on experimental laboratory experience.
• Preferred Experience: Prior research projects in hematopoiesis or hematology; familiarity with animal models, advanced flow cytometry, sequencing-based molecular biology (omics) techniques, and bioinformatics.
• Soft Skills: High motivation, reliability, strong initiative, intellectual curiosity, and clear communication/teamwork capabilities.

Scholarship / Employment Description

• Contractual Employment: The successful applicant is hired on an official doctoral studentship (doktorandanställning), entitling them to a contractual monthly salary according to Karolinska Institutet’s established salary progression scale for PhD students.
• Benefits: Full Swedish statutory employee benefits, paid annual leave, comprehensive healthcare reimbursements, and free access to KI’s modern gym/wellness facilities.
• Research Environment: Supervision from leading scientists, a dedicated individual study plan, access to advanced core facilities, international collaborative networks, and an extensive catalog of doctoral elective courses.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Varbi recruitment portal:

1. Visit the Varbi Application Portal.
2. Create/log in to your Varbi account and upload all required documents:
   • Personal Letter / Statement of Purpose
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • Degree certificates, official academic transcripts, and degree projects/publications (if applicable)
   • Documentation certifying General Eligibility (A)
   • Documentation certifying Specific Eligibility (B) (proof of English proficiency)
   • Any additional certificates illustrating relevant laboratory skills or computational training.
3. Submissions in English are strongly preferred (Swedish is also accepted).

Last Date to Apply

September 14, 2026

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