Doctoral (PhD) student position in Epigenetics, Bioinformatics and AI Focused on Multiple Sclerosis

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

The research group is led by Professor Maja Jagodic at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS) and is part of the Karolinska Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (KNIMS) network, which brings together approximately 100 researchers investigating different aspects of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to interactive, clinically driven research by combining a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying MS with access to world-class clinical cohorts. You will benefit from a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and international research environment dedicated to developing innovative translational approaches within precision medicine.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system and one of the leading causes of neurological disability in young adults. The disease is highly heterogeneous with respect to its clinical presentation, progression, and treatment response, making prognosis and therapeutic decision-making particularly challenging. Epigenetic mechanisms are believed to play a key role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration processes, and a better understanding of these mechanisms has the potential to improve our understanding of disease progression while enabling more personalized management.

The PhD project aims to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying MS progression by integrating genetic, epigenetic, and clinical data using advanced bioinformatics and AI-based analytical approaches. As a doctoral student, you will analyze large-scale omics datasets, develop and apply statistical methods and interpretable AI models, and contribute to the identification of biological markers and molecular mechanisms associated with disease progression. The project is conducted in a multidisciplinary research environment with close collaboration between bioinformaticians, molecular biologists, and clinical researchers.

Data-driven life sciences (DDLS) use data, computational methods and artificial intelligence to study biological systems and processes at all levels, from molecular structures and cellular processes to human health and global ecosystems. SciLifeLab and Wallenberg's national program for data-driven life science (DDLS) aim to recruit and train the next generation of researchers in data-driven life science and create globally leading competence in computational and data science for life science in Sweden. The program has SEK 3.1 billion in funding (approx. USD 290 million) over 12 years from Knut and Alice Wallenberg's foundation.

The DDLS research school was launched in 2024 via the recruitment of 20 academic and 7 industrial PhD students. Over the course of the program, more than 260 doctoral students and 200 postdocs will be part of the graduate school. The DDLS program has four strategic research areas: Data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics, Data-driven transmission and infection biology, Data-driven cell and molecular biology, and Data-driven evolution and biodiversity. For more information, see https://www.scilifelab.se/data-driven/ddls-research-school/.

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 seek an intelligent, creative, hardworking, and enthusiastic team player for this project. The PhD student is expected to actively participate, and with time lead, the design, development, and implementation of computational and statistical methods, as well as scientific writing and presentations. In addition, the doctoral student will attend postgraduate courses and participate in the activities of the DDLS graduate school.

Applicants must be deeply interested in computational medicine research and possess a master’s degree in computational biology, data science, bioinformatics, or related fields. Familiarity with basic concepts of statistical analysis is required. Strong programming skills in Python, R and Linux-based software or similar languages and experience with modern machine learning and deep learning frameworks parallel computing using clusters like UPPMAX and GPUs for high-performance computing and parallel computing using clusters like UPPMAX and GPUs for high-performance computing are essential.

While not required, experience in genetic and omics data analysis and visualization, and familiarity with network theory and its applications are advantageous.

The applicant must be able to demonstrate good social and communicative skills. In order to be able to integrate with the members of the research group and our international partners, a high level of proficiency in spoken and written English is important.

The applicant must be able to collaborate and interact with professionals at different skill levels in a professional and constructive manner. Cooperation requires responsibility, flexibility and sometimes compromises. Previous experience of working within international consortia is advantageous. The applicant should be committed to maintaining a friendly and productive work environment. A genuine personal letter composed without AI-assistance can favourably impact evaluation/final ranking

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.

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!

1. Mikaela Hernberg, [email protected]
2. Maja Jagodic, [email protected]
3. Maria Needhamsen, [email protected]

1. Per Hydbring, SACO, [email protected]
2. Yongtao Xue-Franzén, OFR/ST, [email protected]
3. Robert Lindberg, SEKO, [email protected]