Doctoral (PhD) student position in intestinal mucosal immunology

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

Elisabeth Nyström´s group at the Division of Immunology and Respiratory Medicine is an interdisciplinary research team investigating how epithelial tissues build and regulate protective barriers. We focus on how intestinal mucus and mucus-producing goblet cells create a dynamic interface between the host and its environment, shaping microbial interactions, molecular exchange, and immune activation. By integrating molecular biology, biochemistry, and physiology, we aim to uncover how mucus is assembled and functions in health and disease.

The group is embedded in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, with close interactions across immunology, bioinformatics, structural biology, biochemistry, and clinical research, both locally, nationally and internationally.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The project will investigate how diverse mucus-producing cell populations shape mucus properties, and how changes in their composition influence mucus function through the regulation of post-translational modifications of mucus proteins. Intestinal infection models will be used as systems in which goblet cell composition and mucus function are altered.

The doctoral student will use single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) approaches to characterize goblet cell populations, combined with ex vivo mucus analysis platforms to link cellular composition to function. In addition, the student will apply mass spectrometry-based approaches to study post-translational modifications and validate findings using biochemical analyses.

The project includes experimental work in animal models, and the doctoral student will be responsible for performing infection experiments, including handling and propagation of relevant bacterial or parasitic organisms, as well as monitoring disease progression. Some of these activities may require flexibility in working hours, including work outside standard hours or during weekends.

The doctoral student is expected to drive their project forward with increasing independence, while actively engaging with the research group. Collaboration within the team and contribution to the overall lab environment are important parts of the role.

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

Required qualifications

• A Master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related discipline with a strong experimental component
• Documented experience in experimental laboratory work in relevant areas such as cell biology, microbiology, or molecular biology
• Certification for mouse handling and documented experience working with animals
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English

Meritorious

• Experience with intestinal infection models or microbiology (bacterial or parasitic)
• Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing or other transcriptomic approaches including sample preparation and data analysis
• Basic bioinformatics skills (e.g., R or Python) and experience with handling large datasets
• Experience with proteomics, mass spectrometry, or analysis of post-translational modifications
• Experience with advanced imaging techniques, preferably confocal microscopy or other 3D imaging approaches
• Ex vivo tissue assays including tissue harvest and dissection, preferably intestinal.

We attach great importance to personal qualities in this recruitment. As a person, you are:

• Analytical, structured, and detail-oriented, with a strong commitment to high-quality work and an interest in solving complex research questions.
• Self-driven and able to work independently, with the ability to take initiative and move projects forward while seeking input and raising challenges constructively when needed.
• Curious and motivated to learn new methods, skills, and concepts, with the perseverance and resilience to see projects through to completion.
• Collaborative, with good communication skills, and comfortable working in interdisciplinary teams with diverse backgrounds.
• Willing to contribute to a positive and well-functioning lab environment.

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.

Elisabeth Nyström

Immunology and Respiratory Medicine

Type of employment: PhD placement

Contract type: Full time

Number of positions: 1

Full-time equivalent: 100

City: Solna

County: Stockholms län

Country: Sweden

Reference number: STÖD 2-1856/2026