PhD in virus-host interactions and immunometabolism at Karolinska Institutet Karolinska Institutet in Sweden

Karolinska Institutet is advertising a PhD/doctoral student position in virus-host interactions and immunometabolism within the Systems Virology Lab, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine. The project is part of the MERIT Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network and focuses on how viruses reprogramme host cells and how these processes shape antiviral immunity, immune evasion, cellular homeostasis, and disease.

The specific project, “Mechanisms of PLpro-mediated host-cell reprogramming in SARS-CoV-2 infection and persistence” (DC14), investigates how the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) alters host-cell functions through deISGylating, deubiquitinating, and broader immune-modulatory activities. The work will examine ISG15- and ubiquitin-dependent pathways, antiviral signalling, host-cell metabolism, mitochondrial function, and viral persistence using physiologically relevant models.

The doctoral student will work on molecular, biochemical, and cellular approaches, including studies of SARS-CoV-2, immunometabolism, innate antiviral immunity, and host-cell reprogramming. Planned model systems include gut and lung organoids, advanced organoid systems, and patient-derived tissue where appropriate. The project also explores broader consequences such as chronic inflammation and neuroinflammation.

Supervision is led by Dr. Soham Gupta (main supervisor) and Dr. Magdalini Lourda, with close interaction with Dr. Ujjwal Neogi and Dr. Iva Filipovic at the Center for Systems Infection Biology. The network also includes secondments with Dr. Adithya Sridhar at Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands and Prof. Gisa Gerold at the Medical University of Innsbruck in Austria.

This is a full-time doctoral studentship for up to 4 years with a contractual salary according to Karolinska Institutet’s salary scale. The position includes international and interdisciplinary training, workshops, transferable-skills courses, and collaboration across the MERIT network.

Eligibility requires a master’s degree or equivalent, plus English proficiency equivalent to English B/English 6. Applicants should have relevant knowledge in molecular biology, cell biology, virology, immunology, biochemistry, or a related field, along with laboratory research experience and strong analytical and communication skills. Experience with protein biochemistry, cell culture, cloning, reporter assays, organoids, virology, histology/imaging, or quantitative data analysis is advantageous.

Applications must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system and Euraxess. The deadline is 30 October 2026. Required documents include a personal letter, CV, degree projects, previous publications if any, and documents proving eligibility and relevant skills.