Doctoral (PhD) Student Position in Clinical Neuroscience

Do you want to contribute to better health for all?

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 be based at the Centre for Psychiatry Research, the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, specifically, and will be affiliated with Kristoffer Månsson’s research group. The doctoral student will work within research projects involving multiple researchers and research assistants, both within Kristoffer Månsson’s group and in collaboration with other groups at the department. This entails a dynamic and interdisciplinary working environment, where the doctoral student will have the opportunity to contribute to and develop within larger research programs characterized by shared methodologies, databases, and research questions.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We offer a unique opportunity for doctoral training by integrating experimental neuroimaging, psychophysiology, advanced computational modeling, and psychological treatment of common psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety. The project may provide novel insights into the neural dynamics underlying the emergence and reduction of anxiety and depression during ongoing treatment. Ultimately, the research aims to deepen our understanding of biological processes and subjective experiences in order to improve psychiatric treatments.

The doctoral student will contribute to the planning and execution of research studies, including data collection, which may involve evening and weekend work. The role also includes advanced data analysis and active participation in the writing of scientific articles, as well as the presentation of research findings within and beyond the academic community.

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 seeking a doctoral student with an analytical and methodical approach, who works carefully and has a strong interest in neuroimaging, clinical neuroscience, and psychiatry. Documented experience in data analysis is required, including experience in analyzing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. Experience in processing psychophysiological data (e.g., skin conductance) acquired during psychological experiments in an MR environment is also required. You have a genuine interest in developing expertise in advanced analytical methods and in working with complex datasets in both basic and clinically oriented research. As the research is primarily clinically oriented and involves participants with common psychiatric conditions, experience in clinical psychology or psychiatry is considered an asset.

As a person, you demonstrate strong collaborative skills and thrive in interdisciplinary environments where technical, experimental, and clinical perspectives intersect. You are curious, scientifically engaged, and communicate clearly, both within research teams and with study participants. You work in a structured manner, take initiative, and actively contribute to driving projects forward, while remaining flexible and solution-oriented when unexpected challenges arise. Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required.

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.

Read more about the Department of Clinical Neuroscience

Read more about the research group you will be part of

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

Type of employment: PhD placement

Contract type: Full time

First day of employment: According to agreement

Salary: Monthly salary

Number of positions: 1

Full-time equivalent: 100

City: Solna

County: Stockholms län

Country: Sweden

Reference number: STÖD 2-1469/2026