PhD position in neuroscience and endocrinology

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 successful applicant will conduct the research in the group of Professor Svetlana Lajic, at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Professor Lajic has been following patients with CAH and DEX-treated cases since 1999, when the PREDEX study was started. She is a pediatric endocrinologist and an international expert in CAH. The research group further consists of two post-doctoral researchers, of which one expert in brain imaging, three other PhD students, psychologists and pediatric endocrinologists.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

This PhD project focuses on investigating the long-term effects of prenatal dexamethasone (DEX) treatment and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) on brain structure, cognitive functioning, and emotional well-being. The project aims to assess how prenatal and lifelong glucocorticoid exposure influences brain development and cognitive aging. The research will involve advanced neuroimaging techniques, neuropsychological assessments, and collaboration with international research networks to expand our understanding of the impact of DEX treatment across different populations.

The doctoral student will be expected to:

• Conduct in-depth data analysis of previously collected neuroimaging and cognitive data from the PREDEX study.
• Recruit and assess participants for the longitudinal follow-up study, including MRI scanning and neuropsychological testing.
• Collaborate with European research centers to coordinate large-scale cognitive assessments using online testing tools.
• Analyze complex multimodal neuroimaging data using advanced processing software (e.g., FreeSurfer, FSL) and statistical methods.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts for publication and present findings at international conferences.
• Engage in coursework and training in relevant scientific areas, including neuroscience, endocrinology, and cognitive psychology, as part of the doctoral education.
  
  

This project offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of neuroendocrinology and cognitive neuroscience, providing the student with valuable expertise in brain imaging, cognitive assessment, and translational research. The findings from this research will contribute to improving the clinical management of CAH and evaluating the safety of prenatal DEX treatment.

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 looking for a candidate with a background in cognitive neuroscience, neuroscience or psychology. Experience with MRI-data and statistical analyses is mandatory. Experience with data collection and management is preferred. Knowledge of both neuroscience and endocrinology is needed, and the candidate should display an interest in working in a multidisciplinary environment close to clinical practice. We are looking for a candidate with strong analytical and organizational skills, a willingness to learn and deep dive into the topic of the relationship between hormones and the brain, and willing to contribute to a clinical study assessing brain health in patients with rare diseases. The candidate should be willing to take initiative, be independent and have a strong drive to complete the PhD project in time, as well as collaborate with colleagues and a larger network of Swedish and European collaborators.

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.

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