Karolinska Institutet, Department of Women's and Children's Health

The Department is organized in 10 divisions: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Surgery, Neuropediatrics, Pediatric Oncology, Neonatology, Reproductive Endocrinology, Neuropsychiatry (KIND), Reproductive and Perinatal Health. The divisions have separate scientific profiles and vary in size and have several research groups, dealing with both basic and clinical science.

A doctoral student is admitted to third-cycle/doctoral education. A doctoral education consists of supervised research, combined with courses and other educational activities. An individual study plan is established for each doctoral student. For a doctoral degree, the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education is required.

Research group
The Childhood Cancer Research Unit consists of research groups that examine various aspects of childhood cancer. The PhD studies will be performed in Associate Professor Anna Nilsson’s group which focuses on fundamental and translational projects covering the influence of chemotherapy on the adaptive immune system of children. Further, her group explores the short and long-term consequences of cell cytotoxic drugs on infection resistance by investigating acute infection-related complications as well as immunization responses following clinical remission in paediatric cancer patients. More information can be found at https://ki.se/en/kbh/recovery-of-the-immune-system-and-resistance-against-infections-in-paediatric-patients.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student
This KID-funded PhD position will apply a number of in vitro and in vivo models to gain insights into mechanisms behind deficits in the mounting and/or maintaining of immunological memory after vaccinations following completion of cell cytotoxic treatments. It is widely recognized that a group of patients, especially paediatric subjects, that have gone through cancer treatment lose their protective antibody responses to previous vaccines, despite repeated vaccine challenges. Previous data from the research group suggests that the bone-marrow niche, which supports long-lived memory lymphocytes, may be altered after exposure to chemotherapeutic agents. Most of the project readouts depend on the establishment of in vitro/ex vivo cell culture assays where stromal cells and/or mononuclear cells from healthy blood donors, or rhesus macaques and mice treated with cell cytotoxic drugs or paediatric cancer patients are examined. The methodologies used for data acquisition include tissue imaging, flow cytometry, ELISPOT, proteomics technologies and next-generation DNA sequencing.

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.

Skills and personal qualities
The group is looking for a highly talented and motivated candidate with proven experience in the field of immunology – preferentially with focus on studies of adaptive immunity. The successful applicant is required to be able to work independently, but also integrate properly into, and work closely with, the research group. Excellent communication skills in both spoken and written English is required, favorably together with confident and engaging presentation skills and a proactive and problem-solving attitude. Previous experience from working in a biomedical research lab or company is highly advantageous. Proven skills within cell- and immune-based techniques such as cell culturing, flow cytometry and ELISA, especially in chemotherapy-related settings are desired.

Terms and conditions
The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship (Sw: doktorandanställning) during the 4 years doctoral education.

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.

Your application should contain the following documents:

  • A personal letter and a curriculum vitae (Swedish or English)
  • Degree projects and previous publications, if any (Swedish or English)
  • Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above (Swedish or English)
  • 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.

KI 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.

Type of employment PhD placement
Contract type Full time
Reference number 2-2061/2019
Contact
  • Anna Nilsson, Associate Professor, 0707-50 01 39, Anna.Nilsson.1@ki.se
Union representative
  • Henry Wölling, SEKO, 08-524 840 80
  • Carina Eklund, OFR, 08-585 826 65
  • John Inge Johnsen , SACO, john.inge.johnsen@ki.se
Published 01.Apr.2019
Last application date 21.Apr.2019 11:59 PM CEST

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