Doctoral (PhD) student position in Data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

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

In our research group, you will work with researchers who conduct world-leading research on the occurrence and progression of inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). We are working to integrate large-scale clinical information with molecular genetics, environmental/lifestyle data and registry data. This work is based on intensive local, national and international collaborations. We offer a creative and inspiring environment with broad expertise in genetics and epidemiology and close links to clinics. The Center for Molecular Medicine is a research environment with groups that study various public diseases with a wide range of methods and there are great opportunities to interact with researchers in other groups through joint seminar series and collaborations. 

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics encompasses data integration, analysis, visualization and data interpretation for patient stratification, discovery of biomarkers for disease risk, diagnosis, drug response and health monitoring. Research in precision medicine is expected to use existing strong assets in Sweden and abroad, such as molecular data (e.g. omics), imaging techniques, electronic healthcare data, longitudinal patient and population registries and biobanks.

MS is a lifelong neurological disease that affects individuals, primarily women, in their most productive years with varying degrees of progressive disability that affects all areas of life and includes physical impairment, cognitive impairment, and fatigue. This PhD project aims to address key research questions to unravel the complexities of genotype-phenotype relationships and the progression of MS. This will be achieved by leveraging one of the largest and richest MS datasets available. Additionally, the project will generate synthetic data from personal data to mitigate scarcity in rare diseases. This will facilitate data availability for further development of predictive models, thereby enhancing the quality and scope of MS research.

This PhD project employs advanced network analysis and Large Language Models (LLMs) to develop robust predictive models for MS progression. It involves constructing and analyzing a complex network that integrates omic, genotypic, and clinical datasets. You will spend most of your time on computational tasks, developing and applying methods for handling, quality control, and analysis of extensive datasets as well as scientific writing and presentations. You will be supervised researchers who collectively offer expertise in computational biology, genetics, epidemiology, and machine learning. The research will be closely linked to the WISDOM project, an EU-funded initiative coordinated by the main supervisor (https://wisdomhorizon.eu/). Additionally, the doctoral project will be conducted within the Data-driven Life Sciences Research School where the doctoral student will attend postgraduate courses and participate in the activities of the DDLS graduate school.

General description of the DDLS program

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.

In 2024, the DDLS research school will be launched 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 are seeking for a creative and enthusiastic team player that is 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, data visualization, omic data analysis, and familiarity with network theory and its applications are advantageous.

The applicant must be able to demonstrate good social and communicative skills. 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 is responsible, flexible and has very good cooperation skills and must be able to collaborate and interact with professionals at different skill levels in a professional and constructive manner. Previous experience of working within international consortia is advantageous.

The applicant is committed to maintaining a friendly and productive work environment. We attach great importance to personal suitability. 

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.

Read more about the research group you will be a part of here
Read more about DDLS here

The future of life sciences is data-driven. Will you lead that change with us? Apply now!