项目介绍

2026年5月20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 Marklund lab addresses fundamental research questions in Enteric Nervous System (ENS) biology with a focus on neural cell diversity. The ENS regulates essential gastrointestinal functions including motility and secretion, yet the role of enteric interneurons remains poorly understood. The team has identified molecularly distinct neuronal and glial cell types as well as a new conceptual model for how neuron types emerge during ENS development (Morarach et al., 2021, Li et al; 2025). These discoveries form the basis for projects aimed at determining precise roles of defined neuron types and how they interconnect within and outside the gut. A wide range of transcriptomic, epigenetic, transgenic and imaging methodologies are utilized to meet these aims. By resolving precise ENS circuits underlying gut function, the lab hopes to pave the way for a better understanding, characterization and treatment of prevalent gut disorders. More information can be found at: https://ki.se/en/mbb/ulrika-marklund-group andwww.marklundlab.org

The Marklund lab is part of the Unit of Molecular Neurobiology, inhabited by several research groups with expertise in developmental biology, advanced omics, imaging technologies, neuroscience, cancer and stem cell biology. The unit has a strong collaborative structure and a highly stimulating and dynamic research atmosphere. The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics resides in Biomedicum, providing modern technological platforms and an open environment for interactions across departments and disciplines. For further information on the research unit: https://ki.se/en/mbb/research-division-of-molecular-neurobiology

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The Marklund lab has an open position for a doctoral student to investigate the role of interneurons in enteric neural circuitries and function. The project will focus on recently identified molecularly defined interneuron classes and determine their morphologies, connectivity patterns and functional roles within enteric neural networks. The student will generate and analyse spatial and regular transcriptomic data and study neural connectivity through advanced imaging. The recruited doctoral student is expected to gradually undertake a leading role in experimental design, experimentation, analysis, as well as presentation/publication of results.

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 creative, enthustiastic and communicative student with a solid academic education in molecular biology, bioinformatics, neuroscience and/or developmental biology. The project will involve collaboration with other labmembers as well as external collaborators why the student must posess interpersonal skills and a good ability to work in teams. Personal suitability will be highly valued. Skills/experience in RNA/chromatin omics is a requirement and further experience in one or more of the following areas are desirable: transgenic animal models, histochemistry & advanced imaging methods, functional gut assays and gene manipulation technologies.

Terms and conditions

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