Log In
Sign Up
PhD Student
Doctoral (PhD) student position in childhood cancer Full-time NEW
Doctoral (PhD) Student Position in Childhood Cancer
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
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join the research group of Cecilia Dyberg at the Division of Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet. Our research focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms that drive aggressive and therapy-resistant childhood cancers, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel treatment strategies for children with difficult to treat disease. The group combines molecular and cellular biology, transcriptomics, functional genomics and preclinical model systems to investigate tumour evolution, treatment resistance and therapeutic vulnerabilities in pediatric cancers. Current projects focus primarily on medulloblastoma and build on unique patient-derived datasets, advanced experimental models and close collaborations with clinicians, computational biologists and international research partners. As a member of the group, you will work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment and contribute to translational research aimed at improving outcomes for children with cancer.
The Doctoral Student Project and the Duties of the Doctoral Student
Despite major advances in childhood cancer treatment, relapse remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in children. Increasing evidence suggests that recurrent tumours differ substantially from the disease present at diagnosis and may acquire new biological dependencies that can be targeted therapeutically. This PhD project aims to identify and characterize therapy-resistant tumour states and targetable vulnerabilities in childhood cancer, with a primary focus on medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumour of childhood. The project combines analyses of patient-derived transcriptomic datasets with experimental studies in cellular and animal models. A major focus is to investigate how treatment influences tumour evolution and cellular signalling pathways and to determine whether these changes create new therapeutic opportunities. The project will also explore alterations in circadian regulatory networks and their potential role in aggressive disease and treatment resistance. The doctoral student will participate in all stages of the research process, including study design, laboratory experiments, computational analyses, data interpretation, and scientific communication. The work includes molecular and cellular biology techniques, drug-response experiments, transcriptomic analyses, and validation studies in preclinical models. The doctoral education also includes coursework, participation in scientific conferences, and opportunities to develop scientific independence and transferable research skills.
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:
- have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or
- 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
- 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.
(A) and (B) can only be certified by the documentation requirement for doctoral education.
Skills and Personal Qualities
Essential qualifications:
- Master's degree in biomedicine, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, pharmacology, cancer biology, medicine, or a related field.
- Strong interest in cancer biology, translational biomedical research and data analysis.
- Experience of laboratory-based biomedical research.
- Excellent communication skills and proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong analytical skills, scientific curiosity and a structured approach to research.
Desirable qualifications:
- Experience with cell and molecular biology techniques.
- Experience in cancer biology, transcriptomics, bioinformatics or computational analysis of biological data.
- Experience with drug screening, signaling pathway analysis or preclinical cancer models.
- Experience with scientific programming and analysis tools such as R or Python.
- Experience with animal models, particularly zebrafish.
Personal suitability is of great importance. We value curiosity, initiative, persistence, and the ability to think critically. A strong interest in cancer research and a commitment to improving outcomes for children with cancer are essential.
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.
KI applies a salary scale when setting salaries for doctoral students.