项目介绍

2026年5月20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

We are looking for a doctoral student to join the research group of Malin Wickström Näsman at the Division of Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet. The division brings together interdisciplinary research groups conducting studies spanning preclinical and clinical research, epidemiology, and nursing science, all with the shared goal of improving survival and quality of life for children with cancer and their families.

The research group conducts translational studies in childhood cancer, with a particular emphasis on identifying and molecularly characterizing novel drug candidates in neuroblastoma using preclinical models.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

This PhD project aims to identify and characterize novel therapeutic agents that promote terminal differentiation in high-risk neuroblastoma. The project combines large-scale drug screening with preclinical validation in vitro and in vivo, with the overall goal of overcoming treatment resistance and improving outcomes for children affected by this disease.

The doctoral candidate will work within the framework of the research project while being encouraged to contribute ideas and experimental approaches. The work will include a range of laboratory-based tasks, including the design and execution of cell and molecular biology experiments, drug screening, and validation using viability assays, image-based analyses, and molecular techniques. The project also includes therapeutic studies in relevant experimental models in vivo.

As a doctoral student, you will receive broad training in cancer biology, pharmacology, and translational research. You will gain hands-on experience with diverse experimental and preclinical models, as well as training in data analysis and interpretation. The doctoral education also includes coursework, active participation in the research environment, scientific writing, and opportunities for teaching and supervision of junior students. Over time, you are expected to develop increasing scientific independence, strong critical thinking skills, and transferable skills relevant for careers in both academia and industry.

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

Essential qualifications:

· A master’s degree in pharmacology, toxicology, biomedicine, or a related field.

· Strong motivation, curiosity, and a well-organized, self-driven approach to research.

· Proficiency in spoken and written English.

· Good communication skills and basic competence in scientific writing.

· A strong interest in experimental biomedical research and data analysis, with hands-on experience in laboratory-based work, including in vivo animal models.

· Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research team.

Desirable qualifications:

· Experience with cell and molecular biology techniques.

· Experience with methodologies such as drug screening, cancer cell culture, image-based analysis, and disease-relevant models in vitro and in vivo.

· Hands-on experience with in vivo experimental work, including rodent handling, administration via different routes and monitoring of animal health and welfare.

· FELASA Function A certification in laboratory animal science.

Personal suitability is of great importance. We value scientific rigor, critical thinking, initiative, and a strong commitment to research excellence.

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.

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