项目介绍

2026年7月22日

The Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) conducts world leading research in aging, dementia, epidemiology and care sciences. This research extends from basic molecular and cell levels to clinical research and societal studies. NVS educates almost a third of KI students at basic and advanced levels. The Department has approximately 540 employees and a revenue 2023 of 530 million SEK. It comprises seven divisions, located at Campus Flemingsberg and Campus Solna.

The Division of Neurogeriatrics consists of about 70 employees. The division conducts experimental and translational research related primarily to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, but also more general molecular mechanisms with biomedical relevance are studied, in BioClinicum, KI Campus Solna and Neo, KI Campus Flemingsberg.

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 PhD student will join a multidisciplinary research environment at the Division of Neurogeriatrics, with a strong international reputation in dementia, ageing, health services research, epidemiology, and health economics. The group conducts research using large-scale national and regional healthcare and social care datasets, combining quantitative and qualitative methods to address clinically and societally important challenges. Researchers collaborate closely with healthcare providers, municipalities, patient organizations, and international partners. The environment offers access to extensive registry resources, established research networks, seminars, doctoral courses, and experienced supervisors, providing excellent opportunities for scientific development, methodological training, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral project aims to improve care for people living with dementia who experience behavioural and psychological symptoms. Drawing on one of the world’s largest dementia care datasets, the project will identify and characterise non-pharmacological care strategies, map longitudinal care pathways and outcomes, estimate the effects of alternative care approaches, and explore the needs of care staff and informal caregivers. The doctoral student will contribute to all stages of the research project, including analysis of large linked registry datasets, natural language processing of clinical documentation, longitudinal and health economic analyses, qualitative research, scientific publication, and dissemination of findings.

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 seeking a highly motivated and ambitious PhD student with a strong interest in applying natural language processing and machine learning methods to challenges in dementia care. Applicants should have a background in computer science, data science, engineering, statistics, bioinformatics, or a related quantitative discipline. Strong programming skills are required, preferably in Python, together with documented experience in applying natural language processing and deep learning methods within healthcare or biomedical research. Experience working with large-scale healthcare databases, electronic health records, registries, or other real-world health data is highly desirable. Previous research experience, scientific publications, and familiarity with large language models are considered strong merits.

Great importance will be attached to personal qualities. The successful candidate is analytical, self-motivated, and intellectually curious, with a genuine interest in methodological development and health-related applications. You should be able to work independently, take initiative, and drive complex projects forward while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary research team. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a structured approach to problem-solving are essential for success in this position.

Terms and conditions

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