Vivianne Malmström

Karolinska Institutet is advertising a Doctoral (PhD) student position in T-cell biology in rheumatic diseases within the Rheumatology division, Department of Medicine, Solna. The project sits in the team led by Associate Professor Karine Chemin , with co-supervision by Dr. Angeles Galindo Feria , Prof. Vivianne Malmström , and Dr. Carina Strell at Uppsala University. This is a research-intensive doctoral placement in a leading medical university environment. The project aims to characterise regulatory T cells at sites of inflammation in rheumatic diseases, cancer, and immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myositis. The work builds on prior identification of tissue resident memory T cells in rheumatoid arthritis and myositis, and will address fundamental questions in human Treg biology. The doctoral student will work with human samples such as synovial fluid, synovial biopsies, muscle biopsies, and peripheral blood, combining immunology, rheumatology, and translational research. Research methods include full-spectrum flow cytometry, single-cell sorting, immunofluorescence, in vitro culture, classical molecular biology techniques, and bioinformatic analyses. The student is expected to develop broad knowledge in immunology and deep expertise in rheumatology and regulatory T cell biology, while engaging with clinicians, international collaborators, seminars, group meetings, and conferences. The position offers an individual research project, supervision, elective courses, and the chance to work in a strong research group with international collaborations. The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship with a contractual salary for up to 4 years full-time . Eligibility requires a second-cycle/master qualification, at least 240 higher education credits with 60 at advanced level, or equivalent knowledge, plus English proficiency equivalent to English B/English 6 . The department is looking for candidates with a background in Immunology or Cell Biology, practical lab experience, basic flow cytometry and/or bioinformatics skills, strong English communication, and a motivated, collaborative, and rigorous research mindset. Applications must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system by the stated deadline. Required documents include a personal letter, CV, degree projects, publications if available, supporting documents for desired skills, and documentation proving general and specific eligibility. Application deadline: 2026-10-05.