Postdoctoral studies in cellular and molecular immunology (scholarship)

Our lab studies cellular and molecular mechanisms of cell fate decisions in the immune system with a focus on two areas: transcriptional regulation of these decisions and development and function of innate-like lymphocytes (Kreslavsky et al, Nat Immunol, 2017; Rauschmeier et al, EMBO J, 2019; Dunst et al, JLB, 2020; Glaros et al, Immunity, 2021; Rauschmeier et al, J Exp Med, 2022). This project will focus on the latter direction, specifically – on the biology of gamma-delta (gd) T cells – arguably the least understood cell type of the adaptive immune system.

Our lab is a part of the Division of Immunology and Allergy (Department of Medicine, Solna). We are located in the modern BioClinicum building and are well equipped for cutting-edge immunology research. We collaborate and have common seminars with many immunology labs across several departments on both Karolinska campuses.

Three types of antigen receptors – BCR, abTCR and gdTCR – define the three types of lymphocytes that constitute the adaptive immune system of all jawed vertebrates. While rules of antigen recognition by B cells and abT cells are well-understood, the nature of antigens for gdT cells remains largely elusive. We established a screening pipeline that allows us to search for novel gdTCR ligands. This pipeline already allowed us to identify a novel candidate ligand that activates a broad class of gdTCRs. The first part of the project will be to investigate the function of this molecule in gdT cell biology. In the second part, we plan to apply this established pipeline in combination with scRNA/VDJ-seq to dissect antigenic specificities of gdT cells infiltrating human tumours. The research program can be further shaped to take into account interests of the candidate.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong desire to study basic principles of immune system function. Passion for science and desire to work hard for its progress are the main requirements. The candidates applying for this project must have a PhD degree in biomedicine, immunology, cell biology or a related discipline. Knowledge of immunology and experience with some of the relevant experimental approaches (e.g. flow cytometry, mouse work, molecular biology techniques, scRNA-seq and bioinformatical analysis of scRNA-seq datasets) are beneficial. Applicants must have good English skills, good communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively and work productively in a team.

Scholarships for postdoctoral qualification can be established for foreign researchers who place their qualifications in Sweden. The purpose of scholarships for postdoctoral qualification is to promote internationalization and contribute to research qualification after a doctorate or equivalent.
A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent.
To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a doctorate or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) start date of the post doctoral education.

The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish doctorate or higher.

The position is located within the Department of Medicine, Solna. The department consists of twelve divisions and each division consists of several research groups. The position is located within the research team of Taras Kreslavsky.

The successful candidate will join an international team of enthusiastic researchers. Stockholm is a vibrant international megapolis with one of the highest quality of living standards in the world. Virtually everyone in Stockholm can speak English and English is the only working language of the group. The Karolinska Institute is one of the centers of excellence for biomedical research in the world (ranked as 8th in the world in Life Sciences and Medicine by QS World University Ranking). It possesses cutting edge infrastructure including facilities for flow cytometry, microscopy, NGS sequencing (the institute is one of the world leaders in single cell RNA-Seq) and transgenic technologies. https://ki.se/en/meds/team-taras-kreslavskiy

The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

An application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

• A complete curriculum vitae, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
• A complete list of publications
• Motivation letter explaining why you are interested in joining our lab for this project

The application is to be submitted on the Varbi recruitment system.