Doctoral (PhD) student position in natural killer cell biology

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 Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at Karolinska Institutet conducts research and teaching within immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. Our key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, national and international collaborations. The research group The position is based at the newly established Division for Immuno-Oncology at the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet. The Division brings together expertise in fundamental immunology, cancer biology, and cellular immunotherapy, creating a highly interactive and interdisciplinary research environment with strong links to clinical and translational research. The Malmberg research group has a long-standing interest in human Natural Killer (NK) cell biology and the development of next-generation NK-cell-based immunotherapies. Our research combines advanced single-cell and computational approaches, genome engineering, high-resolution imaging, and functional tumor models to understand the molecular mechanisms governing NK-cell differentiation, cytotoxicity, and persistence. The doctoral project is embedded in a broader research program aimed at decoding and engineering the intracellular programs that control immune-cell function. Through close collaborations with clinical and translational research teams at Karolinska University Hospital and international partners, we aim to translate fundamental discoveries into innovative cellular immunotherapies for cancer. The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student Natural killer (NK) cells are immune cells with an intrinsic ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. They are promising candidates for next-generation cancer immunotherapies, but their therapeutic efficacy is often limited by insufficient functional maturation, persistence, and resistance to tumor-associated stress. While considerable efforts have focused on improving how NK cells recognize tumors, less is known about the intracellular programs that determine their capacity to sustain effective tumor killing. This doctoral project aims to decode and reprogram the cytotoxic operating system of human NK cells, the interconnected regulatory networks that control their maturation, cytotoxic function, and persistence. Using primary NK cells and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NK cells (iNK cells) as experimental platforms, the project combines advanced single-cell analysis, computational modeling, genetic engineering, and functional studies. The project has three integrated components:

• Decoding the cytotoxic operating system by comparing iNK cells with naturally occurring, highly functional NK-cell populations using single-cell transcriptomics, epigenetic profiling, and computational analysis of gene regulatory networks.
• Engineering improved NK-cell states through targeted genetic perturbations, including CRISPR/Cas9 editing and controlled gene expression, to identify regulatory programs that promote maturation, sustained cytotoxicity, and resistance to cellular stress.
• Validating therapeutic potential by evaluating engineered NK cells in advanced functional assays and preclinical models of hematological malignancies and solid tumors, with particular emphasis on persistence and long-term antitumor activity.

The doctoral student will:

• Work with human iPSCs and develop genetically engineered iNK cells.
• Apply CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing and targeted genetic perturbation strategies.
• Perform advanced multiparameter flow cytometry and cell sorting.
• Conduct functional cytotoxicity assays, including high-resolution live-cell imaging and serial-killing assays.
• Generate and analyze single-cell transcriptomic and epigenetic datasets in collaboration with computational scientists.
• Investigate NK-cell maturation, metabolic fitness, and functional resilience under tumor-associated stress conditions.
• Participate in preclinical studies evaluating NK-cell persistence and antitumor activity.
• Present results at scientific meetings and international conferences, contribute to scientific publications, and complete doctoral coursework.

The doctoral student is expected to take an active role in experimental design, data analysis, scientific interpretation, and the development of new research hypotheses. The project offers interdisciplinary training at the interface of fundamental immunology, stem cell biology, genome engineering, computational biology, and translational 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:

• have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or
• 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
• 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 In addition to the aforementioned requirements for the position:

• Master's degree in immunology, molecular biology, bio medicine, biotechnology, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field.
• Strong documented knowledge of molecular and cellular biology, immunology, or computational biology.
• Experience in either experimental molecular/cellular biology or computational analysis of biological datasets.
• Good understanding of quantitative data analysis and scientific methodology.
• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, scientific curiosity, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Meritorious for the position:

• Experience with single-cell transcriptomics, multiomics, and associated data analysis using tools such as Seurat, Scanpy, scVI/MultiVI, or related frameworks.
• Experience with functional genomics and genetic engineering, including CRISPR/Cas9 screening libraries, pooled genetic perturbation screens, or Perturb-seq.
• Experience with programming in Python and/or R, including statistical analysis, visualization, and processing of biological datasets.
• Familiarity with machine learning, gene regulatory network inference, trajectory analysis, or computational analysis of cellular differentiation.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including cloning, lentiviral gene delivery, and gene expression analysis.
• Experience working with primary immune cells, human cell lines, stem cell culture, or iPSC differentiation.
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry, cell sorting, advanced microscopy, or functional cell-based assays.

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