PhD Position in Spatial Transcriptomics, Bioinformatics, and Mucosal Immunology at Karolinska Institutet Karolinska Institutet in Sweden

A fully funded PhD position is available at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, within the internationally recognized Villablanca Lab. The research focuses on spatial transcriptomics, mucosal immunology, computational biology, and advanced models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research by building spatial atlases, integrating multi-omics data, and analyzing single-cell datasets to understand the mechanisms of mucosal healing in ulcerative colitis and other inflammation models.

The lab’s interdisciplinary program combines experimental models (zebrafish and mouse), molecular and cellular methods, state-of-the-art technologies (scRNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics), system biology, and clinical samples. The overarching goal is to define the complex host–environment interactions that maintain intestinal homeostasis, investigate how disruptions lead to IBD, and develop strategies for mucosal regeneration and future therapies. The PhD project will integrate spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in both animal models and human tissue, aiming to identify key regulators of mucosal regeneration and map conserved and species-specific healing mechanisms.

Karolinska Institutet offers a creative, international, and inspiring environment with successful medical research and the largest range of medical education in Sweden. As a doctoral student, you will have access to an individual research project, a skilled supervisor, a wide selection of courses, and the opportunity to work in a successful research group. International collaborations and exchanges are possible through KI’s global partnerships.

Eligibility requirements include a master’s degree in bioinformatics or computational biology, documented experience in intestinal immunology, spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, and bioinformatics, as well as proficiency in Python, R, and bash. Experience with pre-clinical and clinical data, murine models for colitis and colorectal cancer, and mass spectrometry is advantageous. Candidates must demonstrate strong English language skills, independence, teamwork, creativity, motivation, and the ability to present and analyze data. All eligibility must be documented as per Karolinska Institutet’s requirements.

The position is fully funded for up to 4 years, with a contractual salary, free access to fitness facilities, and compensation for medical care. The application deadline is December 10, 2025. To apply, submit your application via the Varbi recruitment system, including a personal letter, CV, degree certificates, publications, and documents demonstrating required skills and eligibility. Applications can be in English or Swedish. For further information, contact Professor Eduardo Villablanca at [email protected].

For more details, visit the official job posting and supervisor’s academic page:

• Job Posting
• Eduardo Villablanca Academic Profile