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 studies will be performed in the team of Associate Professor. Karine Chemin at the Rheumatology division, Dept of Medicine, Solna. The PhD student will be co-supervised by Dr. Angeles Galindo Feria and Prof. Vivianne Malmström at Karolinska Institute and by Dr. Carina Strell at Uppsala University.
The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student
Our team has previously identified tissue resident memory T cells in the autoimmune diseases rheumatoid arthritis (Argyriou, Nat. Com, 2022) and myositis (Argyriou Embo MM, 2023). The overall goal of this project is to characterise regulatory T cells at the site of inflammation in rheumatic diseases, cancer, and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced myositis. The student will revisit key fundamental questions in human Treg biology by studying cellular and molecular aspects of tissue resident memory T cell and Treg biology.
The student will collect and handle human samples including synovial fluid, synovial biopsies, muscle biopsies and peripheral blood. The project involves lab work such as full spectrum flow cytometry, single cell sorting, immunofluorescence, in vitro culture, classical molecular biology techniques and bioinformatic analyses. At the end of the studies, the student is expected to have acquired a broad knowledge in Immunology and a deep knowledge in Rheumatology and regulatory T cell biology.
The student will interact with clinicians at the rheumatology clinic and international collaborators. The student is expected to attend scientific seminars, read the literature, plan experiments (with supervision), report data (electronic lab book) and present data at group meetings and conferences. The student will work on independent projects but will also have the possibility to collaborate with other group members.
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
We are looking for a student with a background in Immunology or Cell Biology who is passionate about pursuing translational and basic research. The ability to design and perform experiments in a rigorous and transparent manner is required. The student should have a critical and creative mind as well as a problem-solving attitude. The student should be willing to take initiative and responsibility in the lab, including managing priorities within agreed deadlines. The student is expected to gradually take increasing responsibility for the project over the course of the PhD studies, including writing manuscripts. Since the project involves several collaborators, the student should have the ability to interact effectively with team members from different backgrounds.
Previous basic experience working in a cell biology lab and/or with multi-parameter flow cytometry and/or basic bioinformatics knowledge is required. Willingness to learn new technologies and bioinformatics tools will be strongly encouraged. Previous experience working with primary human cells as well as knowledge in the field of Rheumatology are advantageous.
Good oral and written English communication skills are required.
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.
https://ki.se/en/people/karine-chemin
Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all
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 2-3756/2026
Contact:
- Karine Chemin, karine.chemin@ki.se
Union representative:
- Louisa Cheung, SACO, Louisa.Cheung@ki.se
- Maria Eldh, OFR, maria.eldh@ki.se
- Farzad Hedayaty, SACO-s, farzad.hedayaty@ki.se
Published: 2026-09-14
Last application date: 2026-10-05