PhD Position in Bioinformatics: Clinical Breast Cancer Proteomics

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 position will be placed in the Cancer Proteomics Mass Spectrometry research group headed by Professor Janne Lehtiö at Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab). The Lehtiö group is a translational group aiming to improve cancer treatment using multi-omics tumor data analysis. The group members are from various disciplines working as a team to study genes and proteins in the context of biological networks, understand how tumor molecular changes impact the proteome, and discover new disease biomarkers to be exploited therapeutically. Scientists and engineers in our group work closely together using a variety of technologies to generate novel knowledge about the biology of the disease and implement tools to support clinical decision-making in the oncology setting.

SciLifeLab is a national infrastructure and research center in technology-driven life sciences, and Karolinska Institutet is one of the four founding universities for SciLifeLab. We offer a stimulating and diverse work environment in a team of highly motivated colleagues with expertise in cutting-edge technology.

Data-driven life science

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 Karolinska Institutet, 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 in bioinformatics with an interest in breast cancer omics data analysis of clinical cohorts characterized by mass spectrometry-based proteomics. The project will involve integrative and translational analysis of multiple levels of omics data derived from breast cancer cohorts spanning multiple subtypes, with a particular focus on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The work includes both applying established data analysis pipelines and developing new computational strategies for the analysis of quantitative biological data. Analyses will be validated using public domain data.

The position requires solid interest and curiosity to learn proteomics data analysis, as well as communication skills and a willingness to work in a team environment. This position offers excellent opportunities for innovative research in proteomics data processing and analysis together with a dedicated group of scientists.

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

Required qualifications

• Master of Science, or equivalent, in bioinformatics, biology, medicine, computer science, mathematical statistics, or another relevant field
• Documented education and experience in bioinformatics data analysis
• Programming experience in Python and/or R, or equivalent
• Knowledge of statistical methods
• Understanding of cell and molecular biology
• Fluent in written and spoken English

Additional merits

• Experience with high-throughput omics data, such as MS-based proteomics, NGS, or other high-dimensionality methods
• Working experience in systems biology or systems medicine, large-scale data analysis, integration and visualization
• Ability to interpret omics data in a biological context
• Knowledge and working experience in MS-based proteomics
• Knowledge of breast cancer biology and current translational cancer research

Since the position involves close interaction with several researchers, emphasis is placed on personal qualities, including:

• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication and analytical skills
• Curiosity and drive to address biological questions and contribute to translational research

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.

Lehtiölab

DDLS research school

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: As per agreement
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100
City: Stockholm
County: Stockholms län
Country: Sweden
Reference number: STÖD 2-1349/2026