项目介绍

2025年10月5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

Per Svenningsson’s Research lab located at Bioclinicum is part of the Clinical Neuroscience Department at the Karolinska Institutet. The lab being one of the leading Parkinson Disease research groups with a focus on translational neuropharmacology combines biochemical, histological, pharmacological, molecular biology and behavioral techniques. We use cellular and animal models together to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the diseases. Explore receptor dynamics, investigate progressive Parkinsonism, and engage in pre-clinical mechanistic studies—all with the aim of developing disease-modifying treatments and understanding diverse neurobiological aspects of PD. 

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral student will lead the project “Investigations of GPCRs as Potential Targets for Treating Parkinsonism Disorders,” with a particular focus on TAAR1 and GPR37 receptors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct in vitro and in vivo experiments (cell culture, slice culture, animal experiment, molecular biology).
• Apply behavioral, biochemical, histological, and imaging methods to assess receptor dynamics.
• Analyze and interpret data across model systems.
• Present findings at lab meetings, seminars, and conferences.
• Participate in doctoral program coursework, workshops, and training.

This position requires curiosity, precision, and commitment to advancing GPCR biology in Parkinson’s disease, with the aim of identifying new therapeutic targets.

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

Absolute requirements:

• Master’s Degree in neuroscience, biology, or a related field
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Familiarity with statistical software and data analysis techniques 
• Proficiency in written and spoken English

Advantageous:

• Prior experience in molecular biology, biochemistry (e.g. DNA extraction, brain section, Western Blot, ELISA, etc) and cell culture techniques 
• Prior experience in animal experiments (e.g. behavioural tests, tissue extraction, etc) 
• Prior experience in organotypic slice culture

Terms and conditions

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