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 Unit for Experimental Traumatology at the Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet conducts experimental research on trauma-related issues with a military medical focus. The advertised position is oriented toward a project in neurotraumatology.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The aim of the project is to explore molecular, biochemical, and behavioral responses to experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI), which may result in persistent symptoms. The focus is to study the acute and chronic effects of repeated mild TBI within the framework of the ReBINT project, which is oriented toward cerebral blast injuries (so-called blast exposure).

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

Required qualifications

  • Swedish citizenship is required due to the group’s connection with the Swedish Armed Forces.
  • Proficiency in Swedish and English
  • You are a licensed physician or currently enrolled in medical training.
  • You have experience in an experimental laboratory environment and are skilled in methods such as:
    • Tissue handling for histological staining
    • Immunohistochemistry
    • In situ hybridization
    • Advanced image analysis for quantification of these methods
  • You have experience with animal experiments, behavioral study methods, and have completed relevant training in this area.

Desirable skills (one or more of the following):

  • Experience with experimental trauma models, particularly those of military relevance such as blast wave exposure.
  • Strong ability to write scientific texts in English and experience in presenting research.
  • Experience in teaching within medical education is highly valued, as the candidate should be able to convey information about the subject area and the research project background to colleagues in military medicine.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively are considered an advantage.

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.

Experimental Traumatology Research Unit | Karolinska Institutet

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

Type of employment PhD placement
Contract type Full time
First day of employment flexible in 2026
Salary Månadslön
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100
City Stockholm
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number STÖD 2-4823/2025
Union representative
  • Henry Wölling, SEKO, henry.wolling@ki.se
  • Magnus Anå, OFR, 08-52486437,magnus.ana@ki.se
  • Björn Meister, SACO, bjorn.meister@ki.se
Published 03.Dec.2025
Last application date 24.Dec.2025
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