Doctoral (PhD) student position in vaccine immunology

Doctoral (PhD) Student Position In Vaccine Immunology

To be a doctoral student means to devote oneself to a research project under supervision of experienced researchers and following an individual study plan. For a doctoral degree, the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education is required.

The Research Group

One position for a doctoral (PhD) student is now open in Professor Karin Loré's group to study mechanisms of action of vaccines. The overall focus of the research group is to investigate immune functions by which different vaccine formulations regulate immunity. The successful candidate will join an enthusiastic team at the Department of Medicine, Solna at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. We work in collaboration with academic partners, vaccine companies as well as funding agencies such as the Gates foundation. Thus, candidate will have the opportunity to study timely questions as well as to interact with and learn various scientific and technical expertise from leading researchers in the vaccine field.

The Doctoral Student Project And The Duties Of The Doctoral Student

Vaccination represents one of the most powerful strategies to prevent infectious diseases by inducing long-lasting immune memory capable of protecting against future infection. A key component of this protection is the generation of antibody responses by B cells, yet the quality, breadth, and durability of such responses may be shaped by factors including vaccine platform, prior pathogen exposure, and ageing of the immune system. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of severe respiratory disease in the elderly, and several new RSV vaccines based on either protein or mRNA technology have recently become available. In this PhD project, we aim to investigate how natural infection and vaccination shape RSV-specific immunity in older adults, with particular focus on B cell and antibody responses, epitope specificity, and the development of cross-reactive immunity against the related human metapneumovirus (MPV). The doctoral student will employ state-of-the-art immunological methods, including antibody characterization, virus neutralization assays, flow cytometry, antigen-specific B cell isolation, B cell receptor repertoire sequencing, recombinant monoclonal antibody generation, and structural analyses. By integrating samples from clinical vaccine studies, biobanks, and longitudinal human cohorts, the student will contribute to a deeper understanding of protective immunity in ageing populations and help guide the development of next-generation vaccines against respiratory viral infections.

What Do We Offer?

A creative and inspiring environment full of expertise and curiosity. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. As a doctoral student you are offered an individual research project, a well-educated supervisor, a vast range of elective courses and the opportunity to work in a leading research group. Karolinska Institutet collaborates with prominent universities from all around the world, which ensures opportunities for international exchanges. You will be employed on a doctoral studentship which means that you receive a contractual salary. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Eligibility Requirements For Doctoral Education

In order to participate in the selection for a doctoral position, you must meet the following general (A) and specific (B) eligibility requirements at latest by the application deadline.

It is your responsibility to certify eligibility by following the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

A) General eligibility requirement You meet the general eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

1. have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or
2. have satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the advanced/second-cycle/master level, or
3. have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

   Follow the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

   *If you claim equivalent knowledge, follow the instructions on the web page Assessing equivalent knowledge for general eligibility for doctoral education.

   B) Specific eligibility requirement

   You meet the specific eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

   – Show proficiency in English equivalent to the course English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school.

   Follow the instructions on the web page English language requirements for doctoral education.

   (A) and (B) can only be certified by the documentation requirement for doctoral education.

   Skills And Personal Qualities

   We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong desire to study principles of immune system functions after vaccination and infection. The candidate applying must have a Master's degree in vaccinology, biomedicine, cell biology or a related discipline. Knowledge of immunology and experience with some of the relevant experimental approaches (e.g. clinical and preclinical animal study sample processing, RNA isolation, PCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, bioinformatical analyses of the B cell receptor repertoire) is required. Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability and compatibility with lab members. Applicants must have good communication skills in English and ability to collaborate and work productively in a team.

   Terms And Conditions

   The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

   Application Process

   Submit your application and supporting documents through the Varbi recruitment system. Use the button in the top right corner and follow the instructions. We prefer that your application is written in English, but you can also apply in Swedish.

   Your application must contain the following documents:

   – A personal letter and a curriculum vitae – Degree projects and previous publications, if any – Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above – Documents certifying your general eligibility (see A above) – Documents certifying your specific eligibility (see B above)

   Selection

   A selection will be made among eligible applicants on the basis of the ability to benefit from doctoral education. The qualifications of the applicants will be evaluated on an overall basis.

   Karolinska Institutet uses the following bases of assessment:

   – Documented subject knowledge of relevance to the area of research – Analytical skill – Other documented knowledge or experience that may be relevant to doctoral studies in the subject.

   All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed.

   KI applies a salary scale when setting salaries for doctoral students.