Doctoral (PhD) Student Position in Molecular and Translational Alzheimer’s Disease Research

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 project will be conducted within the Division of Neurogeriatrics at the Karolinska Institutet. Our research group performs translational and preclinical research in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with a strong focus on disease mechanisms, neuroinflammation, and therapeutic target identification. We investigate the role of a novel intramembrane peptidase belonging to the gamma-secretase family and its contribution to Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology. We use state-of-the-art knock-in mouse models of AD, genetically modified mouse lines, advanced biochemical analyses, behavioral phenotyping, and human clinical samples. The group collaborates nationally and internationally and integrates molecular neuroscience, proteomics, and translational approaches.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and synaptic dysfunction. Increasing evidence suggests that intramembrane proteases play critical roles in regulating neuroinflammatory pathways, protein processing, and neuronal homeostasis.

The aim of this PhD project is to investigate the mechanistic role of a novel intramembrane peptidase in Alzheimer’s disease progression and to explore its therapeutic potential.

The doctoral student will:

• Characterize disease progression in genetically modified AD mouse models. Perform behavioral testing to assess memory and anxiety-related phenotypes
• Conduct biochemical analyses (Western blot, ELISA, immunohistochemistry) Analyze neuroinflammatory markers and synaptic alterations
• Contribute to translational studies using human brain and biofluid samples. Participate in data analysis, manuscript preparation, and presentation at internal and international scientific meetings

The project combines molecular neuroscience, in vivo experimentation, and translational biomarker research. The doctoral student is expected to actively contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific dissemination.

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 are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a Master’s degree in neuroscience, biomedicine, molecular biology, pharmacology, or a related field. The applicant should demonstrate a strong interest in neurodegenerative disease research and have documented laboratory experience in molecular and/or cellular biology. Excellent communication skills in English are required, as well as the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Experience with mouse models and cell models is highly meritorious. Prior hands-on experience with immunohistochemistry, or related biochemical techniques is advantageous. Experience in neuroinflammation research, protein processing, bioinformatics, or proteomics is considered an asset.

Personal qualities such as scientific curiosity, analytical thinking, reliability, and strong motivation will be highly valued.

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.

https://ki.se/en/nvs

https://ki.se/en/nvs/about-us/divisions-at-nvs/division-of-neurogeriatrics/research-at-the-division-of-neurogeriatrics

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