PhD student position in Inflammation and Metabolism

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 doctoral student will join the Inflammation and Metabolism team, led by Associate Professor Nicolas Pillon, within the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. This team, dedicated to investigating interactions between skeletal muscle and the immune system, focuses on how these interactions drive tissue remodeling and adapt to metabolic stress. The team is part of the larger Integrative Physiology research group, headed by Professors Juleen Zierath and Anna Krook, which emphasizes mechanisms underlying metabolic disorders, with a particular focus on insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. This collaborative environment includes senior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and doctoral students, each contributing expertise across diverse methodologies—from bioinformatics analysis of OMIC datasets to cultivating skeletal muscle progenitors and characterizing molecular responses using a range of metabolic assays, pharmacological techniques, and bioengineering methods. Strong ties with clinical researchers allow us to conduct in-depth physiology assessments, exploring the functional impact of our findings on muscle and whole-body metabolism in humans.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral project, titled “Modulation of Metabolic Balance and Tissue Remodelling in Skeletal Muscle by Unsaturated Fatty Acid” aims to investigate the role of inflammatory mediators with a special focus, but not limited to the study of cytokines and oxylipins—bioactive metabolites derived from unsaturated fatty acids—in skeletal muscle metabolism, inflammatory responses, and tissue remodelling. The doctoral student will explore inflammatory signalling pathways, their impact on glucose metabolism, and their role in muscle remodelling using advanced molecular biology, bioinformatics, and in vivo techniques. Key responsibilities include conducting bioinformatic analyses on OMIC datasets, performing metabolic assays with human skeletal muscle cultures, and participating in in vivo studies to assess the effects of inflammatory mediators on whole-body metabolism. This hands-on project provides a comprehensive training in metabolic research, cell biology, and bioinformatics, supporting the student's development into an independent researcher capable of leading translational projects in muscle biology and metabolic health.

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

Research and Technical Skills

• A strong enthusiasm for research and a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.
• Excellent planning, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• A background in bioinformatics, especially with R programming.
• Experience in cell culture is an advantage.
• Knowledge of metabolomics or lipidomics is a plus.

Personal and Interpersonal Skills

• Creative thinking and the ability to contribute ideas for new research projects.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in teams and share knowledge, and competence.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a conscientious, enthusiastic approach to work.

Communication Skills

• Ability to share and receive feedback with a growth mindset.
• Clear and logical communication skills for presenting research ideas and results, with the confidence to engage effectively with the broader research community.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

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.

Team Inflammation and Metabolism

Integrative Physiology Group

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