项目介绍

2026年10月30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

Our internationally renowned research group ‘Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery’ is located in the heart of KI’s campus area in Solna. The group contains senior and junior researchers, biostatisticians, administrator, PhD candidates, students and affiliated researchers. We mainly conduct research of cancer of the oesophagus and stomach. Many of us have a clinical background, especially within surgery. Our internal PhD education includes regular supervisor meetings, written progress and planning reports, research seminars, journal clubs, methods cubs, and our own PhD courses. You can read more about the group on the link below.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

This PhD project is partly funded by KI centrally (KID-funding) and has the overarching aim to help reduce deaths in oesophago-gastric cancer. The project comprises studies of medications that may influence the occurrence of these tumours or decrease the risk of tumour recurrence after treatment, as well as prediction models of survival. Data are retrieved and reviewed for a national cohort of patients having undergone surgery for oesophago-gastric cancer, and from national health data registries in the five Nordic countries.

The PhD candidate will mainly conduct research. This includes collecting and reviewing research data from medical journals, reading relevant literature, writing study protocols, performing data management and statistical analysis of large data quantities, and drafting of scientific articles, applications and a PhD thesis. Except for research, other mandatory parts of the PhD education include active participation in PhD courses, seminars (research seminars, journal clubs, methods clubs) and international scientific conferences. The PhD candidate is expected to attend the supervisor meetings, write monthly reports to the supervisors and take part in shared activities, research group meetings, work place meetings, end-of-term activities and planning days.

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

We are looking for an enthusiastic, curious and talented person with high social competence and collaboration skills. Experience of research is qualifying. Interest in research methodology and biostatistics within clinical research is important, and knowledge within these areas is qualifying. Qualifying is also interest in and experience of cancer in general, and oesophago-gastric cancer in particular. Excellent skills in both Swedish and English (both orally and in writing) is required. Swedish is needed for the review of medical records. The review of medical records is facilitated if the applicant has a medical background.

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.

KI applies a salary scale when setting salaries for doctoral students. 

Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery – Jesper Lagergren’s research group

Information regarding PhD studies at the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery

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