Doctoral (PhD) student position in sensory neuroscience - 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 aim of our research is to understand how the human sense of smell works. To achieve this, we conduct various research projects that attempt to link smell perception to brain processing using a range of different methods, including electrophysiological (EEG), functional and structural brain imaging, as well as behavioral and psychophysical measurements. In our research group, you will find a unique opportunity to work together with top researchers in the borderland between psychology and neuroscience to jointly try to understand how the human sense of smell works. We offer an engaging and international research environment where you get an opportunity to contribute to high-quality research at an international top level.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

In your role as a PhD student in the group, you will participate in a project that attempts to determine how perceptual plasticity in the olfactory system modulates the human brain through electrophysiological measurements. With the help of other team members, you will be responsible for setting up experiments, analysing data and writing scientific articles where the results from these measurements are reported.

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 someone who likes to collaborate, have good analytical skills, and are curious about how the human brain processes sensory information. It is highly meritorious to have previous extensive experience with collection of data from fMRI, EEG and psychophysiological data systems, which are the project's main methods. It is also highly meritorious to have previous good knowledge of olfactory function testing within a clinical setting and documented good knowledge of inference statistics. It is meritorious to have an up-to-date licence to operate an MR camera. Because collection of data from patients in Sweden is part of the expected duties, good knowledge of the Swedish language is an advantage. Applicants must also demonstrate a high degree of accuracy, initiative, and independence. We also attach great importance to personal suitability.

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 (max 1 page) and a curriculum vitae (max 2 pages)
- 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

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