Doctoral position in development of novel treatments for lung cancer

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 Department of Oncology-Pathology at Karolinska Institutet conducts basic, translational and clinical research and educational activities related to cancer. The position is placed in the research laboratory of Professor Simon Ekman in the research team of Docent Per Hydbring. The group focuses on the development of novel treatments for lung cancer. The overall aim is to develop new oncological treatments through the approach of precision cancer medicine.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The candidate will work on several projects regarding coding and non-coding RNAs, analysis of DNA aberrations as well as proteomics. The duties involve routine molecular biology techniques, drug screening, ex vivo models as well as computational and biostatistical analyses of expression arrays and sequencing data.

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

To be selected for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education, it is advantageous if the applicant has demonstrated research expertise in the following experimental methodologies:

• Ex vivo organoid models
• Drug screening in cell line and ex vivo models
• Mouse in vivo models
• Basic laboratory techniques, including western blotting, RT-qPCR, microscopy, immunofluorescence

In addition, it is advantageous if the applicant has computational experience in handling and analyzing big data, e.g. RNA-seq and whole exome-seq data.

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.

Apply at the latest 29th April.

Type of employment: PhD placement
Contract type: Full time
First day of employment: Up on Agreement
Salary: Monthly salary
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100
City: Solna
County: Stockholms län
Country: Sweden
Reference number: STÖD 2-1397/2026

Contact:

1. Per Hydbring,
2. Simon Ekman,

Union representative:

1. Helen Eriksson,
2. Sara Jalali,
3. Elisabeth Valenzuela,
4. Nick Tobin,

Published: 2026-04-01
Last application date: 2026-04-29