Doctoral (PhD) student position in Modulation and stimulation of NK cells for improved persistence and tumor targeting - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious individual to join the research group of Mattias Carlsten as a PhD student. The project will focus on modulation and stimulation of human natural killer (NK) cells to augment their persistence and ability to target tumors.

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

Assistant Professor Dr. Mattias Carlsten M.D. Ph.D. (http://ki.se/en/people/mattca) was recruited from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) 2015 and is currently expanding his translational research group at the Karolinska Institute. The group is located at HERM, Department of Medicine, Huddinge (MedH), Karolinska Institutet (http://ki.se/medh/herm). The main research focus of Dr. Carlsten’s group is to study how the immune system can be utilized to treat cancer (Levy et al. Frontiers Imm. 2019, Björklund, Carlsten, Sohlberg et al. Clin. Can. Research 2017, Carlsten et al. Clin. Can. Research 2016, Carlsten et al. Frontiers Imm. 2016, Childs et al. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 2015). More specifically, the group focuses its work around basic biology as well as modulation and genetic engineering of NK cells and donor lymphocyte infusion grafts with the overall aim of applying new discoveries in settings of cellular cancer immunotherapy. The group is also addressing how drugs can be utilized to facilitate and synergize with immune cells to more efficiently and specifically target the cancer (Carlsten et al. OncoImmunology 2018). As a physician-scientist, Dr. Carlsten’s work is stretched from pre-clinical in vitro studies, including bench work and animal models, to early clinical trials involving cellular cancer immunotherapy and immunomodulating drugs. The group will now address how modulation and stimulation of NK cells can be used to augment their persistence and ability to target tumors.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The project will focus on redirecting the tumor targeting capacity of NK cells via genetic engineering and via similar techniques improve NK cell persistence. The student will also explore how modulation of NK cells can be utilized to remove checkpoint molecules to augment tumor clearance. The studies will be carried out in vitro and in preclinical mouse models. Beyond working with mouse models, cloning and design of DNA constructs will be an important part of the project. In addition to this, the project will involve an array of cellular and molecular biology techniques and assays. The position provides an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to apply and develop cutting-edge technology and excel in the space between bench work, animal work and clinical studies with the overall aim of establishing new concepts to improve the therapeutic efficacy of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.

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.

Skills and personal qualities

We are seeking a highly talented and enthusiastic researcher who holds a Master degree and has a solid background in immunology, molecular biology including the CRISPR-Cas9 technology and that has a FELASA B certificate. Experience using tumor-bearing mouse models is a plus. The candidate should have extensive experience in running immunology assays and working with primary material. Knowledge in tumor immunology and gene engineering for cellular modification along with state-of-the-art experience with multiparameter flow cytometry and analysis is a requirement. These candidates are welcome to apply.

The successful candidate should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, organizational skills, and the ability to work productively and dynamically in a team. The latter is key. Experience from working independently is a plus. Self-motivation and the ability to stay on top of the relevant research field is an absolute requirement. Applicants must be able to integrate well into the international and multidisciplinary research environment. Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English is a requirement.

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.

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 (e.g. completion of the FELASA B course) (Swedish or English)
- Documents certifying your general eligibility (see A above)
- Documents certifying your specific eligibility (see B above)
- Names and contact details of two references who are familiar with the applicant’s recent research and training.

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.

Mattias Carlsten group

Your career continues here

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all