Doctoral (PhD) student position in 7 Tesla neuroimaging 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 division Neuro at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience is seeking a doctoral student to join Tobias Granberg’s Research Group, a specialized neuroimaging group comprising of about 30 members. This group integrates expertise from neuroradiologists, neurologists, MRI physicists, and data scientists, forming a dynamic interdisciplinary team. We collaborate closely with various departments at Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, including the MEG group, neurophysiologists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons, all of whom bring invaluable practical experience and specialized knowledge to our projects.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral project will investigate the advantages of 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to 3 Tesla MRI in diagnosing and planning treatments for epilepsy, focusing on volumetric imaging, presurgical planning, and the functional and structural aspects of pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Through volumetric analysis, functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion-weighted imaging, and advanced techniques like laminar fMRI and elastography, the studies aim to improve detection of epilepsy-related brain pathologies, particularly within the hippocampus and seizure-onset zones. By enhancing the precision of imaging in epilepsy diagnostics, this project seeks to support more effective presurgical mapping, better localization of epileptic foci, and better treatment strategies.

The doctoral student will participate in patient recruitment, data collection, and advanced image analysis, utilizing specialized software for tasks such as segmentation, fMRI, and DTI processing. The student will also interpret findings, contribute to multidisciplinary discussions on surgical planning, and communicate results through scientific presentations and publications under the guidance of supervisors, ultimately aiming to advance understanding and clinical outcomes for epilepsy patients.

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 PhD student with a medical degree and strong experience in neuroimaging and related research. Ideal candidates will have a background in neuroradiology and neurosurgery, with specific experience in tractography and familiarity with advanced MRI sequences. Preference will be given to candidates who have an MRI driver’s licence and experience with ultra-high field MRI (7 Tesla) scanners and have proficiency in Sectra PACS. The role requires comfort in an international research setting, with preference for candidates who have prior international study or research experience. A solid foundation in the scientific literature on imaging, epilepsy, and neurosurgery is essential, along with proven skills in scientific communication, including presenting research findings and preparing manuscripts for publication. Good knowledge of English both written and spoken is a requirement. 

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 Department of Clinical Neuroscience
Read more about the research group you will be part of

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