Doctoral (PhD) student position in NK cell immunotherapy for gastric cancer

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

The position is based at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge, within a highly interactive research environment focused on human immunology and translational cancer research. The 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 integrates advanced single-cell transcriptomics, multiparameter flow cytometry, genome editing, and functional tumor models to decipher and engineer cytotoxic lymphocyte responses in cancer. We collaborate closely with clinical units at Karolinska University Hospital and international partners to enable rapid translation from mechanistic discovery to preclinical and early clinical development.

The project is embedded in a larger translational effort to develop adaptive NK-cell platforms (ADAPT-NK) and precision NK-cell engagers for solid tumors, with a particular focus on gastric cancer.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Gastric cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and responses to current immunotherapies are limited in most patients. NK cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes with intrinsic tumor-killing capacity and favorable safety profiles in clinical studies. However, their efficacy in solid tumors is restricted by limited tumor targeting and strong immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment (TME).

This doctoral project aims to develop and mechanistically dissect next-generation NK-cell immunotherapies for gastric cancer. The project has three integrated components:

1. Guiding adaptive NK cells to gastric tumors using compact, high-affinity NK-cell engagers directed against tumor-associated antigens such as HER2, B7-H3, and CLDN18.2.
2. Decoding suppressive circuits in tumor-infiltrating NK and T cells from gastric cancer tissue and malignant ascites using single-cell RNA sequencing and computational mapping to NK-cell reference atlases.
3. Engineering TME-resilient NK cells through precise genetic editing of key suppressive pathways (e.g., TGF-β/SMAD signaling), followed by functional validation in co-culture and advanced tumor models.

The doctoral student will:

• Perform advanced multiparameter flow cytometry and cell sorting
• Conduct functional cytotoxicity assays (e.g., degranulation, cytokine production, live-cell killing assays)
• Work with primary human NK cells and gastric cancer samples
• Apply CRISPR/Cas9 or base-editing strategies in NK cells
• Generate and analyze single-cell transcriptomic datasets in collaboration with computational scientists
• Present results at group meetings and international conferences
• Contribute to manuscript writing and doctoral coursework requirements

The candidate is expected to actively participate in the intellectual development of the project, including experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific communication.

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:

• Master’s degree in immunology, molecular biology, biomedicine, biotechnology, or related field
• Strong documented knowledge in immunology and/or cancer biology
• Experience with cell culture and basic molecular techniques
• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English

Meriting qualifications:

• Experience working with primary immune cells
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry and cell sorting
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 or other gene-editing technologies
• Experience with RNA sequencing or single-cell transcriptomics
• Basic programming skills (e.g., R or Python) for biological data analysis

We seek a highly motivated, analytically strong, and collaborative candidate who is comfortable working at the interface of experimental and computational biology. A structured and independent working style, combined with the ability to function in a team-oriented and international environment, is essential.

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.

Read more about Kalle Malmberg group here.

Type of employment: PhD placement
Contract type: Full time
First day of employment: According to agreement
Salary: Monthly salary
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100
City: Flemingsberg
County: Stockholms län
Country: Sweden
Reference number: STÖD 2-951/2026