Doctoral (PhD) student in advanced neuroimaging tool innovation and validat - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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 Department of Clinical Neuroscience is seeking a doctoral student to join Tobias Granberg’s Research Group, a specialized multidisciplinary group focusing on advanced neuroimaging applications comprising of about 30 members. This group integrates the clinical and experimental expertise of neuroradiologists, neurologists, MRI physicists, radiographers and data scientists, forming a dynamic interdisciplinary team. We collaborate closely with various departments throughout Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, 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 student will contribute to advancing neuroimaging methodologies for the study of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders through the integration of advanced MRI techniques, large-scale data analysis, and machine learning applications. The student will be responsible for acquiring, curating, and processing multi-modal MRI datasets, implementing segmentation and quantitative analysis pipelines, and validating imaging-derived biomarkers against established clinical measures. The student will utilize specialized neuroimaging software and statistical frameworks to assess the reproducibility, clinical relevance, and translational potential of imaging-based biomarkers. In addition, the student will work on developing and optimizing computational models for biomarker extraction and disease progression prediction, emphasizing reproducibility and generalizability across different imaging systems and populations.

The role includes maintaining large imaging databases, ensuring data quality control, managing secure data infrastructure, and integrating imaging findings with clinical and cognitive data. The student will engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with clinicians, physicists, and computational scientists to translate methodological advances into clinically meaningful tools. They will present results at scientific meetings, contribute to manuscript preparation, and participate in the implementation of imaging workflows that align with precision medicine goals. Throughout the doctoral work, the student will develop expertise in MRI acquisition, image processing, machine learning, and statistical modeling, preparing them for a career at the intersection of medical imaging research, data science, and clinical translation.

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 strong experience in deep learning and neuroimaging of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. 

Mandatory

• A master’s degree focusing on machine learning
• 2+ years’ of experience conducting cutting-edge scientific research at a prolific research institution
• Background and proficiency in the field of neuroradiology (MRI)
• Experience working with neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders and corresponding biomarkers
• Strong computational processing background, including expertise in: dockerized environment; resource management; python, MATLAB, image processing, linux commandline and OS admin
• Background in applying machine-learning pipelines on real-world clinical MRI data, with special consideration given for experience using algorithms such as:
  (i) Segment Anything Model (SAM)
  (ii) BrainAge estimation
• Processing MRI data using conventional tools, with special consideration given for experience in processing with tools such as:
  (i) FreeSurfer
  (ii) SWI/QSM processing pipelines, including SEPIA
  (iii) Spinal Cord Toolbox
  (iv) Vessel morphological feature extraction by FRANGI/RORPO filters
  (v) Myelin imaging
• Experience optimizing susceptibility-weighted imaging for clinical 7 T MRI designed for quantitative susceptibility mapping
• Fluency in spoken and written English

Desireble

• A background in 7 T ex vivo MRI
• Experience in Linux server management and command-line proficiency, network maintenance, and administration of network-based storage across multiple sites, including international collaboration, and close relationships with industry partners
• Experience in scientific writing and communicating scientific results

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!