Are you passionate about molecular virology, bioinformatics, genomics, and infectious disease research? Do you want to pursue your PhD at one of the world’s leading medical universities while working on cutting-edge HIV research?

Karolinska Institutet (KI), Sweden, is inviting applications for a fully funded Doctoral (PhD) Student Position in Molecular Virology within the Centre for Infectious Medicine (CIM) at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge. This prestigious doctoral position offers an exceptional opportunity to conduct high-impact research using advanced sequencing technologies and computational biology to better understand HIV persistence and host-virus interactions.

If you have a strong background in molecular biology, virology, genomics, or bioinformatics and are eager to work in a collaborative international research environment, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

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Position Overview

Position: Doctoral (PhD) Student – Molecular Virology

University: Karolinska Institutet

Department: Department of Medicine, Huddinge (MedH)

Research Centre: Centre for Infectious Medicine (CIM)

Location: Flemingsberg, Stockholm, Sweden

Supervisor: Associate Professor Peter Svensson

Employment Type: Full-time Doctoral Studentship

Duration: 4 Years

Funding: Fully Funded with contractual salary

Application Deadline: 31 July 2026

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About Karolinska Institutet

Karolinska Institutet is internationally recognized as one of the world’s top medical universities. Responsible for selecting the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, KI is renowned for groundbreaking biomedical research and innovative medical education.

Researchers at KI work closely with hospitals, clinicians, and international collaborators to translate laboratory discoveries into real-world healthcare solutions. Doctoral students receive excellent mentorship, access to world-class facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists worldwide.

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About the Research Group

The PhD position is based in Peter Svensson’s research group within the Centre for Infectious Medicine (CIM).

The research team investigates one of the biggest challenges in HIV research:

Why does HIV remain in the body despite effective antiviral treatment?

Their work focuses on understanding:

• HIV reservoirs
• Host-virus interactions
• Viral persistence
• Epigenetic regulation
• Viral transcription
• HIV integration sites
• Long-read sequencing technologies

The research combines clinical questions with advanced molecular biology, genomics, sequencing technologies, and computational biology.

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Research Project

The doctoral project focuses on understanding the HIV reservoir using state-of-the-art molecular and computational techniques.

The successful candidate will investigate HIV RNA and DNA from clinical samples and laboratory models using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing.

The project aims to develop improved sequencing workflows capable of revealing viral diversity and understanding how HIV persists despite successful treatment.

Unlike many traditional laboratory projects, this position combines both experimental molecular biology and bioinformatics, allowing students to develop expertise in both fields.

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Main Research Areas

The project includes work in several exciting research areas:

Molecular Virology

• HIV RNA characterization
• HIV DNA analysis
• Viral reservoirs
• Host-virus interactions
• Viral persistence

Long-Read Sequencing

• Oxford Nanopore sequencing
• Workflow optimization
• Sequencing protocol development
• Viral genome characterization

Bioinformatics

• Development of bioinformatics pipelines
• Analysis of long-read sequencing data
• Viral diversity analysis
• Computational biology
• Genomic data interpretation

Translational Research

The project bridges laboratory discoveries with clinically relevant HIV research to improve understanding of persistent infection.

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What You Will Do

During your PhD, you will:

✔ Characterize HIV RNA and DNA from clinical samples

✔ Develop and optimize Oxford Nanopore sequencing workflows

✔ Perform molecular biology experiments

✔ Develop computational pipelines for sequencing analysis

✔ Analyze viral diversity using bioinformatics tools

✔ Interpret biological and clinical datasets

✔ Present research at conferences

✔ Publish findings in leading scientific journals

✔ Collaborate with researchers across Karolinska Institutet

✔ Complete doctoral courses as part of your PhD training

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Candidate Requirements

Applicants should possess:

Essential Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Virology, Genomics, Biotechnology, or related field
• Experience combining laboratory research with computational analysis
• Experience analyzing sequencing datasets
• Programming skills in Python or R
• Strong analytical thinking
• Excellent written and spoken English

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Virology
• Molecular biology
• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Epigenetics
• Immunology
• Long-read sequencing
• Oxford Nanopore sequencing
• HIV research
• Translational medicine

The research group also values candidates who are motivated, responsible, collaborative, and capable of working independently.

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Funding and Benefits

This is a fully funded doctoral studentship, meaning successful applicants receive:

✔ Full-time doctoral employment

✔ Competitive contractual salary throughout the PhD

✔ Four years of funded research

✔ Individual supervision

✔ Structured doctoral education

✔ Access to advanced sequencing facilities

✔ Opportunities for international collaborations

✔ Elective doctoral courses

✔ Modern laboratory infrastructure

✔ Free access to the university gym

✔ Medical care reimbursement

✔ Conference participation

✔ Scientific publication opportunities

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Why Choose Karolinska Institutet?

Studying at Karolinska Institutet offers numerous advantages:

• One of the world’s leading medical universities
• Internationally recognized research
• Collaborative research environment
• Cutting-edge sequencing technologies
• Strong emphasis on translational medicine
• Global academic partnerships
• Opportunities for international exchange
• High-quality doctoral training

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Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Personal motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Degree certificates
• Master’s thesis (if available)
• Previous publications (if applicable)
• Documents proving eligibility for doctoral education
• English language qualification documents
• Additional supporting documents demonstrating research experience

Applications must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

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Selection Process

Eligible candidates will be evaluated based on:

• Academic background
• Subject knowledge
• Research experience
• Analytical skills
• Programming abilities
• Laboratory expertise
• Overall suitability for doctoral education

Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews.

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Important Dates

Application Deadline: 31 July 2026

Location: Stockholm (Flemingsberg), Sweden

Employment: Full-Time Doctoral Studentship

Duration: Four Years

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Why You Should Apply

This PhD offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of molecular biology, virology, genomics, computational biology, and bioinformatics while contributing to groundbreaking HIV research.

If you aspire to become an independent scientist working with cutting-edge sequencing technologies, publishing high-impact research, and collaborating internationally, this doctoral position provides the ideal platform for your academic career.

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Apply Now

Interested candidates should submit their application through the official Karolinska Institutet recruitment portal before 31 July 2026.

OFFICIAL LINK

Don’t miss this opportunity to join one of Europe’s most prestigious medical research institutions and contribute to advancing our understanding of HIV persistence through innovative molecular and computational approaches.

Tag a friend or colleague who might be interested in this exciting PhD opportunity!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is this PhD position fully funded?

Yes. The successful candidate will receive a fully funded doctoral employment with a contractual salary for up to four years.

2. Where is the position located?

The PhD will be based at Karolinska Institutet in Flemingsberg, Stockholm, Sweden.

3. What research area does the project focus on?

The project focuses on HIV reservoirs, molecular virology, long-read sequencing, host-virus interactions, and bioinformatics.

4. What degree is required?

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Virology, Genomics, Biotechnology, or a related field.

5. Are programming skills required?

Yes. Experience with Python or R and sequencing data analysis is highly desirable.

6. What sequencing technology will be used?

The project primarily utilizes Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing technology.

7. What is the application deadline?

The deadline for applications is 31 July 2026.

8. Is this position suitable for international applicants?

Yes. International applicants who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply.