Doctoral (PhD) student position in molecular virology

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

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

This position is based in Peter Svensson’s research group at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge (MedH), Karolinska Institutet, in the Centre for Infectious Medicine (CIM). We study the HIV reservoir, especially host-virus interactions and mechanisms behind persistent viral activity despite effective antiviral therapy. We have particular focus on persistence of infected cells, epigenetic context and transcription of the provirus, using novel methods to characterize viral genomes, their integration sites and transcriptional activity. The research environment is collaborative and translational, combining patient-oriented questions with advanced molecular methods, sequencing, and bioinformatics. The doctoral student will work in a small and interactive team and collaborate closely with other researchers and students within CIM, MedH, and Karolinska Institutet.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The project is focused on the HIV reservoir research, with a particular emphasis on characterization of HIV RNA/DNA in primary material as well as model cells using Oxford Nanopore sequencing and complementary molecular and computational approaches. The doctoral student will help develop, optimize, and apply workflows for long-read sequencing of HIV sequences, analysis of viral sequence diversity, and interpretation of data to connect basic research and clinical reality. The work will combine experimental and analytical components and will be carried out in close interaction with another PhD student in the group who has a stronger wet-lab focus on reservoir biology, cell culture, and intact/defect virus production.

Duties include planning and performing laboratory work, contributing to optimization of sequencing protocols, developing and applying bioinformatics pipelines for long-read sequencing data, analyzing and presenting results, and participating in the writing of scientific manuscripts. The doctoral student is also expected to take doctoral courses, engage in the intellectual routines of the research group, and contribute to a collaborative research environment.

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

Necessary qualifications:

• Experience combining wet-lab and computational work.
• Experience with analysis of sequencing data and/or bioinformatics workflows.
• Good programming skills in at least one language commonly used in bioinformatics, such as Python or R.
• Strong analytical ability and a structured approach to problem solving.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Desirable qualifications:

• Background in molecular biology, virology, genomics, bioinformatics, or related areas relevant to the project.
• Experience in epigenetics, virology or immunology
• Interest in translational research and in linking molecular findings with clinically relevant questions.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability. We are looking for a candidate who is responsible, dependable, self-driven, and able to work independently while also contributing positively to a collaborative team culture.

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.

KI applies a salary scale when setting salaries for doctoral students. All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed.

Read more about Peter Svensson´s group here.
Read more about CIM here.

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

1. Peter Svensson, [email protected]
2. Fredrika Aronsson, [email protected]