Doctoral (PhD) Student Position in NK Cell Immunotherapy for Gastric Cancer Karolinska Institutet in Sweden

This fully funded doctoral (PhD) student position at Karolinska Institutet offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in NK cell immunotherapy for gastric cancer. The position is based at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge, within a vibrant and collaborative research environment focused on human immunology and translational cancer research. The group, led by Kalle Malmberg, is internationally recognized for its work on human Natural Killer (NK) cell biology and the development of next-generation NK-cell–based immunotherapies.

The research project aims to develop and mechanistically dissect advanced NK-cell immunotherapies for gastric cancer, a disease with high mortality and limited response to current treatments. The project integrates advanced single-cell transcriptomics, multiparameter flow cytometry, genome editing, and functional tumor models. Key components include engineering adaptive NK cells to target gastric tumors, decoding suppressive circuits in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes using single-cell RNA sequencing, and creating TME-resilient NK cells through precise genetic editing. The doctoral student will gain hands-on experience with primary human NK cells, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, cell sorting, cytotoxicity assays, and computational data analysis, collaborating with both clinical and international partners.

Karolinska Institutet is one of the world’s leading medical universities, offering a creative and inspiring environment, a wide range of elective courses, and opportunities for international exchange. The position is a full-time, four-year doctoral studentship with a contractual monthly salary, access to university facilities including a free gym, and medical care reimbursements.

Eligibility requirements include a master’s degree (or equivalent) in immunology, molecular biology, biomedicine, biotechnology, or a related field, and proficiency in English. Candidates should have strong knowledge in immunology and/or cancer biology, experience with cell culture and molecular techniques, and excellent communication skills. Additional experience with flow cytometry, gene editing, single-cell transcriptomics, and programming (R or Python) is meriting. The ideal candidate is highly motivated, analytical, collaborative, and able to work independently and in teams.

Applications must be submitted via the Varbi recruitment system by April 2, 2026. Required documents include a personal letter, CV, degree projects, publications, and proof of eligibility. For more information, contact Kalle Malmberg at [email protected].