Doctoral (PhD) student position in Molecular Virology

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research? To be a doctoral student means to devote oneself to a research project under supervision of experienced researchers and following an individual study plan. For a doctoral degree, the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education is required.The Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC) at Karolinska Institutet conducts research and teaching within immunology, infection biology, cell biology and cancer. MTC has about 40 research groups and our key words are multidisciplinary, bridging, national and international collaborations.The research groupA doctoral (PhD) student position is available in Prof Gerald McInerney’s research group. The laboratory focuses on the cell biology of virus infection, with a particular interest in alphaviruses, including chikungunya virus. We have a wide network of collaboration partners in virology, immunology, vaccinology, structural biology and biophysics, computational biology, and other fields of interest. The GM group consists of the PI, a laboratory manager, four postdocs, and several short-term MSc students. Some recent publications from the group: Götte et al., PLoS Pathogens 2019; Hanke et al., Nature Comms 2020 and 2022; Hanke et al., Science Adv 2022; Long et al., Nature Comms 2025. Further information can be found at our website www.alphavirus.org.The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral studentAlphaviruses are single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses that cause serious human diseases including chikungunya fever. They replicate their RNA in replication organelles (ROs) housed in virus-induced, bud-like membrane structures of 50-100 nm diameter. These organelles are the sites of viral RNA replication, and are important for concentrating the viral components, shielding the replication from cellular defence, and directing the viral RNA for translation or assembly into progeny virions. Their intracellular, membrane-bound nature has made ROs harder to study in molecular and structural detail than extracellular virus particles that have often been resolved to near atomic resolution. Despite recent advances in structural understanding of the architecture of these complexes, much of the functional mechanics of ROs remains mysterious.This project will form part of a collaboration between the GM laboratory and researchers at Umeå University to study the viral and cellular components of viral ROs, using state-of-the-art tools of proteomics, structural biology, biochemistry and computational biology. The work in this project will provide unique perspectives on the structure and function of viral ROs, an area of utmost importance in virology. In-depth knowledge of virology, molecular and cell biology, proteomics, and protein engineering will be attained.What do we offer? A creative and inspiring environment full of expertise and curiosity. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. As a doctoral student you are offered an individual research project, a well-educated supervisor, a vast range of elective courses and the opportunity to work in a leading research group. Karolinska Institutet collaborates with prominent universities from all around the world, which ensures opportunities for international exchanges. You will be employed on a doctoral studentship which means that you receive a contractual salary. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.Eligibility Requirements For Doctoral EducationIn order to participate in the selection for a doctoral position, you must meet the following general (A) and specific (B) eligibility requirements at latest by the application deadline.It is your responsibility to certify eligibility by following the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education. General eligibility requirementYou meet the general eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:Have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), orHave satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the advanced/second-cycle/master level, orHave acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.*Follow the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.If you claim equivalent knowledge, follow the instructions on the web page Assessing equivalent knowledge for general eligibility for doctoral education. Specific eligibility requirement You meet the specific eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:Show proficiency in English equivalent to the course English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school.Follow the instructions on the web page English language requirements for doctoral education.Verification of your documents: Karolinska Institutet checks the authenticity of your documents. Karolinska Institutet reserves the right to revoke admission if supporting documents are discovered to be fraudulent. Submission of false documents is a violation of Swedish law and is considered grounds for legal action. and (B) can only be certified by the documentation requirement for doctoral education.Skills And Personal QualitiesWe are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate with an interest in virology and cell biology. The applicant shall have documented experience with one or several of the following disciplines, virology, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, proteomics and computational biology. The ideal candidate will be self-motivating, curiosity-driven, and creative and shall pride themselves on excellent experimental planning and execution. Since the project forms part of a multidisciplinary consortium project, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute positively to a collaborative environment are highly valued. Proficiency in spoken and written English are essential.Terms and conditionsThe doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.Application processSubmit your application and supporting documents through the Varbi recruitment system. Use the button in the top right corner and follow the instructions. We prefer that your application is written in English, but you can also apply in Swedish.Your application must contain the following documents:A personal letter and a curriculum vitaeDegree projects and previous publications, if anyAny other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described aboveDocuments certifying your general eligibility (see A above)Documents certifying your specific eligibility (see B above)SelectionA selection will be made among eligible applicants on the basis of the ability to benefit from doctoral education. The qualifications of the applicants will be evaluated on an overall basis.Karolinska Institutet uses the following bases of assessment:Documented subject knowledge of relevance to the area of researchAnalytical skillOther documented knowledge or experience that may be relevant to doctoral studies in the subject.All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed.https://ki.se/en/research/research-areas-centres-and-networks/research-groups/regulation-of-gene-expression-during-viral-infection-gerald-mcinerney-group#tab-startWant to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for allAnställningsform: doktorandplats | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100 | Ort: Solna | Län: Stockholms län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: STÖD 2-4312/2025 | Kontakt: Gerald Mcinerney gerald.mcinerney@ki.se, | Facklig företrädare: Taher Darreh-Shori, SACO taher.darreh-shori@ki.se, Carina Eklund, OFR carina.eklund@ki.se, Henry Wölling, SEKO henry.wolling@ki.se, | Publicerat: 2025-11-04 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2025-11-21