Doctoral (PhD) student position in CRISPR functional genomics of cancer drug resistance

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 research group

The Wermeling Lab is part of the Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, located at the Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM). We are an interdisciplinary team of molecular biologists and immunologists that leverage CRISPR/Cas9 methods and multi-omics approaches to discover new drug targets in cancer and autoimmunity. Our fully‑equipped labs are embedded in CMM’s vibrant research environment, with weekly seminars, journal clubs, and shared core facilities.

The projects will be conducted in collaboration with the Liv Eidsmo and Roland Nilssons research groups.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Drug resistance is a major obstacle to curative cancer therapy. Building on our recent discovery of metabolic stressors that suppress tumor growth and expose novel vulnerabilities, the PhD project will:

• Dissect how metabolic stress reshapes drug responses and resistance evolution in e.g., BRAF‑mutant cancer cells treated with precision drugs.
• Run genome‑wide CRISPR screens to pinpoint genes and pathways that modulate resistance, followed by validation in patient‑derived samples and mouse models.
• Assess the impact of metabolic stress on the immune system in general and on anti‑tumor immunity more specifically.

The student will master cell culture, molecular biology, flow cytometry, next‑generation sequencing, in vivo tumor models, and computational analysis, and will present results in international conferences and first‑author publications.

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 education

In 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.

A) General eligibility requirement

You meet the general eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

1. have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or
2. have 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, or
3. have 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.

B) 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.

(A) and (B) can only be certified by the documentation requirement for doctoral education.

Skills and personal qualities

Required:

• Master’s degree in biomedicine, molecular biology, biotechnology, or related field.
• Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Merits (highly desirable):

• Practical experience with CRISPR/Cas9, functional‑genomics screens, next‑generation sequencing, or in vivo models.
• Familiarity with cancer cell signaling, metabolism, or immunology.
• Basic skills in R or Python for omics‑data analysis.
• Organized, curiosity‑driven, and a strong team player in a collaborative, multicultural setting.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability and scientific enthusiasm.

Terms and conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

Application process

Submit 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 vitae
- Degree projects and previous publications, if any
- Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above
- Documents certifying your general eligibility (see A above)
- Documents certifying your specific eligibility (see B above)

Selection

A 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 research
- Analytical skill
- Other documented knowledge or experience that may be relevant to doctoral studies in the subject.

All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed.

CRISPR-based drug target discovery in cancer and autoimmunity – Research group Fredrik Wermeling

https://wermelinglab.com/

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all

1. Fredrik Wermeling, [email protected]

1. Maria Eldh, OFR, [email protected]
2. Louisa Cheung, SACO, [email protected]
3. Farzad Hedayaty, SACO-s, [email protected]