Doctoral (PhD) student position in Neuroepidemiology

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 in Neuroepidemiology is a dynamic and multidisciplinary team dedicated to the epidemiological study of neuroinflammatory diseases, with a primary focus on multiple sclerosis (MS). Led by Dr. Katharina Fink (neurologist, Affiliated to Research) and Dr. Kyla McKay (epidemiologist, Assistant Professor), the group brings together clinician-scientists, postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and research specialists, all working toward a common goal - improving outcomes for individuals living with chronic neuroinflammatory diseases.

Our team maintains close ties with the MS clinic and collaborates with national and international leaders in MS research. Based at the Clinical Epidemiology Division, we actively engage with other epidemiologists and participate in regular seminars on biostatistics and epidemiological methods, fostering a rich academic environment.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

MS is an immune-mediated disease, and viral antigens have long been suspected to play a role in its pathogenesis. Over the past two decades, significant progress has been made in this field, particularly regarding the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). While EBV is now recognized as a necessary risk factor for MS, its near-universal prevalence (infecting over 90% of the global population) suggests that additional factors contribute to disease development.

Key unanswered questions remain:

• Do other viral exposures influence MS risk, and at what life stage?
• Can antiviral medications modulate MS risk?

Using Sweden’s high-quality, linked nationwide registries, including the Swedish MS Registry, the doctoral student will investigate perinatal and early-life infections and antiviral medication use as potential risk factors for MS. This project involves computationally intensive analyses, offering an opportunity to develop strong coding skills and a deeper understanding of causal inference methods. The student will collaborate closely with epidemiologists, statisticians, and clinicians within the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Neuro Division, contributing to cutting-edge research at the intersection of epidemiology and neuroimmunology.

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 creative and enthusiastic person to contribute to this project. The student is expected to contribute to the study design, statistical analysis (including data preparation), scientific writing and presentations.

Applicants must show an interest in epidemiology, and have a master’s degree in in epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related field. Familiarity with basic concepts in statistical analysis is required. Strong programming skills in R are essential. Although not required, experience in virology, public health, preventive medicine, and interest in modern machine learning and its applications are beneficial.

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.

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 a part of

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