Karolinska Institutet Postdoctoral Scholarship

This postdoctoral scholarship at Karolinska Institutet offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cancer research in the personalization of standard-of-care chemotherapeutics. The position is based in the Department of Oncology-Pathology, within the Rudd group, and supervised by Research Specialist Si Min Zhang. The research environment is located at SciLifeLab Campus Solna, a premier national infrastructure for life science, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration at both national and international levels.

The project focuses on differentiation therapy, which induces cancer cells into a terminally differentiated, non-proliferating state—a treatment that has revolutionized acute promyeloid leukemia (APML) care. However, understanding the factors controlling differentiation therapy response is critical for treating resistant APML, designing individualized regimens to mitigate side effects, and sensitizing non-APML cancers to differentiation therapy. The successful candidate will join a team dedicated to identifying and developing approaches to improve differentiation therapy, particularly in acute myeloid leukemia and related diseases.

Karolinska Institutet is renowned for its innovative medical research and comprehensive biomedical education. The institution offers a creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests, providing ample opportunities for knowledge exchange across various scientific fields within medicine and health. The close relationship with healthcare providers ensures groundbreaking education and research, and students and employees enjoy access to modern gym facilities.

Eligibility and Requirements: This scholarship is open to foreign researchers who intend to stay in Sweden for all or part of their postdoctoral education at KI. Applicants must have obtained a doctorate or a foreign degree equivalent to a doctorate. Those who have not completed their doctorate by the application deadline may apply if all requirements are met before the intended start date. Candidates should demonstrate competence in cell and molecular biology techniques, including RT-qPCR, Western blotting, high content imaging analysis, flow cytometry, genetic perturbation strategies, and lentiviral vector construction. Prior experience in bioinformatics is highly advantageous. The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in translational research in acute myeloid leukemia, differentiation therapy, glioma, and related fields. Independent project management, first author publication/preprint, effective communication skills, and personal suitability for the research group are required. Prior international conference presentation and grant preparation experience is a plus. Applicants who are resident in Sweden or have completed academic education in Sweden are not eligible.

Funding: The scholarship is tax-free, set for twelve months at a time, and paid out on a six-month basis. It can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four-year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted via the Varbi recruitment system by 31 July 2026. Required documents include a complete CV (with thesis defense date, thesis title, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work), a complete list of publications, and a summary of current work (no more than one page) in English or Swedish. KI applies individual and differentiated salary setting in accordance with collective agreements RALS and RALS-T.

For further information, contact Sean Rudd ([email protected]) or Si Min Zhang ([email protected]). Join Karolinska Institutet and contribute to better health for all through innovative cancer research.