Doctoral (PhD) student position in NK cell immunology in human lung cancer Full-time NEW

Doctoral (PhD) Student Position in NK Cell Immunology in Human Lung Cancer

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

The Marquardt lab at Karolinska Institutet is based at the Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine (LabMed), and located at ANA Futura. Our research focuses on the regulation and function of human Natural Killer (NK) cells in tissues, with a particular emphasis on the lung. We aim to understand how NK cells are regulated in respiratory pathologies and to explore their therapeutic potential in lung cancer.

Our work combines access to unique human tissue samples with advanced technologies, including high-parameter flow cytometry and single-cell transcriptomics. These efforts are supported by close clinical and academic collaborations within Karolinska Institutet. The position is co-funded by NextGenNK, a Competence Center dedicated to the development of next-generation NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies, providing additional opportunities to interact with leading experts in the field.

The Department of Laboratory Medicine is an internationally recognized research environment focusing on the human immune system in infectious diseases, inflammation, and cancer. LabMed comprises six divisions and conducts research and education across a wide range of laboratory medicine disciplines, with the goal of improving human health in both the short and long term. The department maintains close collaboration with Karolinska University Hospital and integrates basic, clinical, and epidemiological research with strong teaching activities. It is also one of the largest teaching departments at Karolinska Institutet.

The Doctoral Student Project and the Duties of the Doctoral Student

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and patient responses to immunotherapy vary considerably. NK cells possess intrinsic tumor-killing capacity and are thought to contribute to early immune defense in tissues such as the lung. However, in solid tumors, their function is often impaired by immunosuppressive signals within the tumor microenvironment (TME).

This doctoral project aims to define how regionally adapted NK cells within the TME shape immune responses and influence tumor progression. The goal is to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve lung cancer treatment. The project will provide insight into immune regulation in both homeostatic and tumor settings and contribute to the development of more precise and personalized immunotherapies.

The doctoral student will work with human lung tissue from multiple sources, perform tissue processing and primary cell isolation, and conduct in vitro functional assays such as degranulation and cytokine production. The project integrates multiple advanced platforms, including multicolour flow cytometry, proteomics, metabolic profiling (SCENITH), and single-cell RNA-sequencing.

The position requires strong organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Experimental work will be conducted in a BSL-2 laboratory environment, with strict adherence to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

The successful candidate will actively participate in the research environment, including group meetings, departmental seminars, and relevant national and international conferences. Responsibilities also include presenting results, contributing to manuscript preparation, participating in the supervision of junior students where appropriate, and engaging in routine lab activities. In addition, the student will complete the formal coursework required for the doctoral degree according to the regulations of Karolinska Institutet. The candidate is expected to actively contribute to the intellectual development of the project, including experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific communication.

This project is supported by an internal Karolinska Institutet KID grant and the NextGenNK Competence Center.

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.

Verification of your documents Karolinska Institutet checks the authenticity of your documents. Karolinska Institutet reserves the right to revoke admission if supporting documents are discovered to be fraudulent. Submission of false documents is a violation of Swedish law and is considered grounds for legal action.

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

Skills and Personal Qualities

We are seeking a highly self-motivated and analytically strong candidate with a genuine interest in human immunology. The successful applicant must be collaborative, able to communicate effectively, and capable of working both independently and in a structured manner. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential, as is the ability to manage complex experimental workflows and data.

Required qualifications:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in the field of immunology, molecular biology, biomedicine, cell biology, or a related field
• Solid theoretical background in immunology
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry, in vitro cell culture, and basic molecular techniques
• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English

Meriting qualifications:

• Experience working with primary human immune cells
• Hands-on experience with advanced flow cytometry, including multicolour panel design, optimization, and/or cell sorting
• Experience with high-dimensional or single-cell technologies (e.g., single-cell RNA-sequencing)
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 or other gene-editing approaches
• Basic programming skills (R or Python) for analysis of biological datasets
• Previous involvement in scientific projects leading to co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications
• Swedish language skills

Terms and Conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship for a maximum of 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)

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