Doctoral (PhD) student position in post-translational gene regulation within hematopoiesis

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 research focus of the Pedro Moura team is on molecular, cellular and immune pathways underlying malignant hematopoiesis across the disease spectrum of blood cancers, with particular focus in myeloid neoplasms (MN). Recent studies from our team encompass Thier J et al., Leukemia 2025; Creignou M et al., Annals of Internal Medicine 2025; Moura PL et al., Cancer Research 2024; Moura PL et al., Blood Neoplasia 2024; among others. We are exploring MN pathogenesis along three main research lines: 1) Why do mutant HSC expand more efficiently as compared to healthy HSC? 2) Can the production or function of mutant, differentiated myeloid lineage cells be restored? And 3) Why are mutant cells not cleared by the immune system? To answer these questions, we use cutting-edge technologies (single-cell transcriptomics, proteomics, imaging) to study primary patient samples, coupled with modelling disease through modern in vitro studies (gene editing, advanced cell culture experiments).

The project will be pursued at the Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), a vibrant and collaborative environment for biomedical research situated within the Department of Medicine, Huddinge, where preclinical and clinical research is conducted in a variety of areas alongside undergraduate and graduate education.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Post-transcriptional gene regulation (PTGR, encompassing RNA splicing and turnover, epitranscriptomics, and translation control) is fundamental for the control of protein expression and function in the cell. In hematopoiesis, the active process by which billions of new blood cells are formed every day, PTGR mechanisms play critical roles in regulating stem cell self-renewal, cell differentiation and function, which we have determined are dysregulated in MN. Within the scope of this area, and following previous work from our team, the doctoral candidate will pursue mechanistic studies to answer one principal question: How do PTGR mechanisms contribute to MN pathogenesis and malignancy?

We seek a candidate with a strong background in biomedicine, molecular biology, cell biology or bioinformatics, who will contribute to the development of advanced gene editing experiments in model systems of hematopoiesis, leveraging molecular biology techniques as well as high-throughput omics technologies (transcriptomics, proteomics).

The candidate’s doctoral education will take place within the KI framework of learning outcomes, during which they will develop their scientific knowledge and understanding, practical/“soft” skills, and mature their judgment and approach to research and knowledge

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

Requirements:
- The candidate should have a strong academic background in biomedicine, molecular biology, cell biology or bioinformatics, demonstrated by their previous academic transcripts.
- Past experience with one or several techniques within the scope of gene editing and manipulation (CRISPR-Cas9, siRNA, lentiviral transduction), flow cytometry, high-throughput omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics), in vitro mammalian cell culture or molecular biology techniques (qPCR, ddPCR, Western blot, etc.) is a requirement for this role.
- The candidate should be fluent in English (written and spoken)

Desirable:
- Experience in bioinformatic data analysis as well as programming language knowledge (e.g. R, Python) will be looked upon favorably.
- Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

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.

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

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 campus
County: Stockholms län
Country: Sweden
Reference number: STÖD 2-1323/2026