项目介绍

2026年5月9日

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

Rune Brautasets research group includes senior and junior researchers, optometrists, and ophthalmologists. The working environment is stimulating, dynamic, and creative. We study the correlation between visual function and ocular structures in healthy eyes and in a range of ocular and neurological diseases. Our unit is also responsible for a large number of educational activities in eye care. We run a teaching clinic with access to state-of-the-art examination equipments. We work in a well-organised manner, with a structured doctoral programme and an active seminar series. We have established collaborations with other research groups both within our institute and with national and international researchers. The supervisory team offers complementary expertise in optometry, ophthalmology, stem cell, and translational research.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of visual impairment among the elderly population. The PhD project aims to identify novel structural and functional biomarkers in age-related macular degeneration. By integrating a multimodal strategy that includes advanced retinal imaging, functional testing, and AI‑driven analytics, the project targets to detect subtle structural and functional changes. The reserach will support improved monitoring and risk stratification, enabling more personalised care in age-related macular degeneration. The doctoral student is expected to lead the project work under close supervision, including planning and conducting studies, collecting and managing data, performing advanced imaging and analysis, and interpreting the results critically. The role also includes advanced data analysis and active participation in the writing of scientific articles, as well as the presentation of research findings within and beyond the academic community.

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 requirementYou 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

We are looking for someone with a strong interest in research, particularly within advanced imaging, functional assessments, biomarker discovery, and AI-driven analysis. You are intellectually curious, detail-oriented, and eager to learn new methodologies. You demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

The successful candidate should:

• Hold a master’s degree or equivalent advanced studies in relevant field. Suitable backgrounds include, but are not limited to: Optometry, Vision science, Biomedical technology, Computer science with medical imaging experience.
• Have a curious attitude and enjoy working in a team.
• Be motivated to contribute to academic research.
• Relevant skills in at least one of the following areas:
  • Good knowledge in retinal imaging techniques.
  • Experience in MATLAB or Python programming.

Meritorious competence:

• Previous involvement in scientific projects leading to co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis methods.
• Swedish language skills.

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.

Read more about the research group you will be a part of
Your career starts here – Ten reasons to choose to work at KI

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