项目介绍

2025年5月13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 successful applicant will join the team led by Assistant Professor Shane Wright at the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology. His team studies the pharmacology of important drug targets known as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that mediate the action of approx. 36% of drugs on the market. The overarching theme of the lab is to better understand and harness GPCR signaling to design safer drugs for patients.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

There is currently a large knowledge gap as to why males and females respond differently to treatments for metabolic disorders. This is due, in large part, to the lack of sex-balanced studies in metabolic research. Most studies leave out females due to hormonal variability and differences in fat storage and energy metabolism. Several metabolism-related disorders, including type 2 diabetes and metabolism-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), exhibit notable differences in disease prevalence and progression between men and women. Focusing on important targets for drug development, this PhD project aims to uncover the sexual differences in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling using patient-derived organotypic models.  

To achieve this central aim, the PhD candidate will employ a battery of assays with a focus on cell and molecular biology (2D and 3D tissue models, phenotypic assays, signal transduction assays, omics-data generation), bioengineering (organ-on-a-chip system) and bioinformatics (omics-data analysis). By the end of this project, lead molecules with novel signalling properties will be developed to address existing hurdles in sex dimorphism in diseases like MASLD.

The student is expected to play a strong role in hypothesis generation, experimental design, experimentation, data analysis, presentation of results at meetings and conferences, and manuscript preparation. The student will be responsible to follow the general rules and regulations and time plan of the doctoral program.

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 motivated and talented student with a strong interest in receptor pharmacology and drug development. The applicant should have good communication skills and be able to work both independently and in a team environment. Priority will be given to candidates that have experience working with signal transduction assays and complex human-derived 3D cell culture systems.

Terms and conditions

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