项目介绍

2026年8月5日

The research group

The position is based in the Neurorheumatology and Pain Group at the Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Solna, and the Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet (KI). The group focuses on the interactions between the immune system and the peripheral and central nervous systems in rheumatological diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The group’s research is translational and encompasses both clinical studies and preclinical basic research.

The doctoral student will be supervised by Assistant Professor Caroline Wasén, with Adjunct Professor Jon Lampa as co-supervisor. In addition to Caroline and Jon, there are opportunities to collaborate with the group’s other members, consisting of research-active rheumatologists and postdoctoral researchers; the group totals approximately 7 people. The doctoral project also involves collaborations with other research groups at KI, the University of Gothenburg, and international partners, including in Germany and the USA.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The purpose of the doctoral project is to investigate how inflammation in the chronic joint disease RA affects brain aging, with a focus on the relationship between neurodegenerative processes and immune signaling that can be blocked with existing treatments. To identify clinically relevant mechanisms and test causal relationships, studies in patients and preclinical models are combined, including analysis of tissue from mice.

The work will include analysis of markers for inflammation and neurodegeneration in serum from patients, as well as data from brain imaging. An important part of the work with patient data involves statistical handling of available metadata. Clinical studies will be complemented by analysis of brain tissue from mice (primarily immunohistofluorescence and microscopy), partly to establish protocols for studying neurodegeneration in arthritis models, and partly to test causal relationships between specific immune interactions and neurodegenerative processes in the brain.

The doctoral student will formulate hypotheses, design experiments and analyses, perform experiments, conduct data analysis, visualize data, compile data into scientific publications, present results at conferences, write research grant applications, communicate with international collaborators, and more. Teaching and supervision of students may occur. The training will also include mandatory and elective courses. The aim is that by the end of the program, the doctoral student will have the ability to independently design and carry out research work.

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 a motivated person who has demonstrated an interest in research within rheumatology and neurology, preferably through previous research experience. We are looking for someone who can be both social and professional in communication with other lab members and collaborators. You also place great importance on accuracy and structure in your work and are skilled at communicating in writing and speech. Furthermore, you should have a strong interest in the breadth of tasks that the researcher role entails, which includes lab work, data analysis, and communication of research results through articles and presentations, as well as developing new projects.

Requirements:

• A master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Good knowledge of immunology and autoimmunity, as well as brain anatomy and function.
• Good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.
• Experience using the statistical programs Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism, and R for data analysis and data visualization.
• Good ability to work independently and in a group.
• Documented ability to drive and complete projects.

Merits (desirable, not required):

• Previous research experience particularly in the fields of rheumatology and neurology.
• Participation in international conferences, particularly in the form of poster presentations or oral presentations.
• Experience analyzing imaging or “omics” data.
• Knowledge of Swedish.

Terms and conditions

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

–[Video about Karolinska Institutet, how we all work towards “a better health for all”] –

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. 

Link to Caroline Wasén’s profile

Link to Neurorheumatology and pain research group

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