项目介绍

2026年10月6日

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 Prof Nagihan Bostanci´s research group within the Division of Oral Health and Periodontology, Department of Dental Medicine, conducts translational research focusing on novel disease mechanisms related to systemic disorders and oral diseases. This interdisciplinary PhD project uniquely integrates neuroscience, microbiome research and dental medicine in collaboration with the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS). The Department of Dental Medicine (DentMed) and the CNS offers a strong foundation for research training and teaching opportunities at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The doctoral student will be based at ANA Futura, a state-of-the-art translational research facility providing access to cutting-edge technologies and workflows. Our research groups atmosphere is creative, inspiring, friendly, encouraging and positive, and we have broad experience in both experimental and translational studies. ANA Futura is a leading translational integrated research environment with more than 10,000 m2 laboratory and office space and equipped for cutting-edge research facilities.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders in childhood, and many children require long-term treatment with antiseizure medications. These treatments are associated with a range of oral side effects yet their underlying mechanisms and their impact on children’s oral health remain poorly understood. This multidisciplinary PhD project aims to characterize the oral-gut microbiome axis in childhood epilepsy and to elucidate medication-induced oral changes and their clinical consequences. The project will be conducted within a highly supportive and well-equipped research environment at Karolinska Institutet within the Division of Oral Health and Periodontology, Department of Dental Medicine (DentMed) and the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS). This interdisciplinary PhD project provides the doctoral student with a unique opportunity to develop expertise at the intersection of dental medicine, neuroscience, and microbiome research, in close collaboration with the Neuroepidemiology Group at the CNS.

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 seeking a highly motivated and curious candidate with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of oral microbiome, epidemiology, and neurology. Applicants with a degree in dentistry, medicine, epidemiology, biomedical sciences, data science, neuroscience, or a related field are encouraged to apply. The candidate should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, an interest in integrating microbiome and registry-based data to address clinically relevant questions. Very good written and spoken English is required. We are looking for someone who can work independently and take responsibility for their project, while also collaborating effectively in a team spanning dental medicine, epidemiology, and neuroscience.

Experience in analysis of population-based or registry data, microbiome research, bioinformatics, as well as experience working with epidemiological data, is highly desired. Previous experience in all areas of the project is not expected. Particular emphasis will be placed on scientific potential, motivation, curiosity, and the willingness to develop new expertise across oral microbiome research, epidemiology, and neurology. Finally, we place great importance on personal suitability.

Terms and conditions

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

Location: Flemingsberg

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 (Swedish or English)

– Degree projects and previous publications, if any (Swedish or English) 

– Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above (Swedish or English) 

– 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. 

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

Type of employment |
Temporary position |

Contract type |
Full time |

First day of employment |
Enligt överenskommelse |

Salary |
Månadslön |

Number of positions |
1 |

Full-time equivalent |
100 |

City |
Huddinge |

County |
Stockholms län |

Country |
Sweden |

Reference number |
STÖD 2-4091/2026 |

Contact |

• Vilma Hargeus, HR-partner, vilma.hargeus@ki.se
• Nagihan Bostanci, Main Supervisor, nagihan.bostanci@ki.se

|

Union representative |

• Tatiana Tourova, SACO, tatiana.tourova@ki.se
• Robert Lindberg SEKO, Robert.G.Lindberg@seko.se
• Tarja Schröder, OFR, tarja.schroder@ki.se

|

Published |
05.Oct.2026 |

Last application date |

26.Oct.2026 |

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