Doctoral (PhD) student position in data-driven precision medicine within epidemiology and dementia Full-time NEW

Doctoral (PhD) Student Position In Data-Driven Precision Medicine Within Epidemiology And Dementia

The Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics conducts research in epidemiology and biostatistics across a broad range of areas within biomedical science. The department is among the largest of its type in Europe and has especially strong research profiles in psychiatric, cancer, reproductive, pediatric, pharmaco, genetic, and geriatric epidemiology, eating disorders, precision medicine, and biostatistics.

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 PhD student will join the research group Epidemiology of Cardiometabolic and Cognitive Aging at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (MEB). The group studies biological mechanisms, risk factors, and resilience processes underlying health and disease during aging, with a particular focus on preclinical dementia and cardiometabolic aging. A central aim of the group is to understand how long-term metabolic, inflammatory, genetic, and lifestyle factors shape trajectories of brain pathology and cognitive decline decades before clinical symptoms emerge. The group combines large population-based and twin cohorts with longitudinal blood-based biomarkers, multi-omics data, and advanced epidemiological methods. The group is part of the research environment “Aging Epidemiology” at MEB, which brings together researchers interested in aging from different fields, including twin studies, genetic and molecular epidemiology, and pharmacoepidemiology. The research environment is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary, with close links to national and international networks and consortia.

The Data-Driven Life Science Research School

Data-driven life science (DDLS) uses data, computational methods and artificial intelligence to study biological systems and processes at all levels, from molecular structures and cellular processes to human health and global ecosystems. The SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) aims to recruit and train the next generation of data-driven life scientists and to create globally leading computational and data science capabilities in Sweden. The program is funded with a total of 3.3 billion SEK over 12 years from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg (KAW) Foundation.

In 2026 the DDLS Research School will be expanded with the recruitment of 25 academic and 7 industrial PhD students. During the course of the DDLS program more than 260 PhD students and 200 postdocs will be part of the Research School. The DDLS program has four strategic research areas: cell and molecular biology, evolution and biodiversity, precision medicine and diagnostics, epidemiology and biology of infection. For more information, please see: https://www.scilifelab.se/data-driven/ddls-research-school/

The future of life science is data-driven. Will you be part of that change? Then join us in this unique program!

At the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, we are announcing the position as DDLS PhD student in data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics.

Data-driven precision medicine and diagnostics covers data integration, analysis, visualization, and data interpretation for patient stratification, discovery of biomarkers for disease risks, diagnosis, drug response and monitoring of health. The precision medicine research is expected to make use of existing strong assets in Sweden and abroad, such as molecular data (e.g. omics), imaging, electronic health care records, longitudinal patient and population registries and biobanks.

The Doctoral Student Project And The Duties Of The Doctoral Student

We seek a highly motivated PhD student for the DDLS project “Blood-based biomarkers and molecular changes in preclinical dementia”, with a focus on improving early detection and differentiation between dementia subtypes. The doctoral student will work with longitudinal data from two unique Swedish longitudinal cohorts, SATSA and Betula, integrating established dementia biomarkers with inflammatory, metabolic, and genetic data using advanced statistical modeling and data-driven methods. The doctoral student will be expected to lead and contribute to research studies within this framework, including data management, statistical analyses, and dissemination of findings through scientific publications and presentations. During the PhD, the student will complete doctoral courses at Karolinska Institutet and within the DDLS Research School and actively participate in seminars and other research activities, in accordance with doctoral education requirements. They will develop expertise in dementia and biomarker research, alongside advanced training in statistical modelling, epidemiological methods, and data-driven life science and precision medicine.

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

Required qualifications:

• A master's degree in public health sciences, epidemiology, health data science, biostatistics, or related discipline
• Experience in R programming or other relevant statistical software
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills (proficiency in Swedish is not required)

Additional merits:

• Previous research experience, especially in one or more of the following:
• o Epidemiology, especially in a longitudinal setting
• o Bioinformatics or omics
• o Aging or age-related disease
• Practical experience working with large datasets
• Practical experience with statistical analyses (e.g. regression modelling)
• Experience and skills in scientific writing
• Experience with reproducible research practices (e.g. scripted analyses, version control) is an advantage

We attach great importance to personal qualities in this recruitment. As a person, you are analytical, structured, detail-oriented, and committed to high-quality work. You should have a strong interest in molecular epidemiology and aging research, and be curious and motivated to learn new methods, skills, and concepts. You are self-driven and able to work independently, with the ability to take initiative and move projects forward, but also collaborative and comfortable working in teams with diverse backgrounds.

What Do We Offer?

Choose to work at KI-Ten reasons why Career support for doctoral students International staff

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.

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