Summary
Karolinska Institutet is recruiting a motivated doctoral (PhD) student to join the research group of Cecilia Dyberg at the Division of Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Surgery. The project focuses on therapy-resistant states and targetable vulnerabilities in childhood cancers, with a primary emphasis on medulloblastoma. The role combines laboratory experiments, transcriptomic analyses, preclinical model work and computational studies in a translational research setting.
Designation
Position: Doctoral (PhD) student (doctoral studentship, up to 4 years full-time)
Key Information
| Institution | Karolinska Institutet — Division of Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health |
| Research Group | Cecilia Dyberg’s research group |
| Research Area | Childhood cancer biology (focus on medulloblastoma), tumor evolution, therapy resistance, preclinical translational research |
| Employment Type | Doctoral studentship with contractual salary |
| Location | Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden |
| Language | Applications preferred in English; Swedish also accepted |
| Application system | Varbi recruitment system |
Research Area and Project Description
This PhD project aims to identify and characterize therapy-resistant tumor states and targetable vulnerabilities in childhood cancers, primarily medulloblastoma. The work integrates patient-derived transcriptomic datasets with laboratory experiments in cellular and animal models to study how treatment shapes tumor evolution and cellular signaling. The project also investigates potential roles of circadian regulatory networks in aggressive disease and treatment resistance. Tasks include experimental design, molecular and cellular biology techniques, drug-response assays, transcriptomic analyses and validation in preclinical models, as well as data interpretation and scientific communication.
Location
Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden — Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Division of Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Surgery.
Eligibility / Qualification
Candidates must meet both general and specific eligibility requirements for doctoral studies at Karolinska Institutet by the application deadline. It is the applicant’s responsibility to document and certify eligibility according to the university’s instructions.
- General eligibility (A): A completed second-cycle/master degree, completion of at least 240 higher education credits (with at least 60 at second-cycle/master level), or substantially equivalent knowledge obtained elsewhere. Applicants claiming equivalent knowledge should follow the university’s assessment procedures.
- Specific eligibility (B): Proficiency in English equivalent to English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school. Applicants should follow the university’s guidance on English language requirements for doctoral education.
- Karolinska Institutet will verify the authenticity of submitted documents and may revoke admission if documents are found to be fraudulent.
Essential skills and qualifications
- Master’s degree in biomedicine, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, pharmacology, cancer biology, medicine, or a related field.
- Strong interest in cancer biology, translational research and data analysis.
- Experience with laboratory-based biomedical research.
- Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
- Analytical thinking, scientific curiosity and a structured approach to research.
Desirable qualifications
- Hands-on experience with cell and molecular biology techniques.
- Experience in cancer biology, transcriptomics, bioinformatics or computational analysis (R/Python).
- Experience with drug screening, signaling pathway analysis or preclinical cancer models.
- Experience working with animal models (zebrafish experience is a plus).
Scholarship Description (Terms and Benefits)
The successful candidate will be employed on a doctoral studentship for up to four years full-time and receive a contractual salary. The position offers an individual research project within a leading research environment, supervision from experienced researchers, access to elective doctoral courses, opportunities for international collaboration and conference participation. Employees also have access to a modern gym and medical care reimbursements.
How to Apply
Submit your application and supporting documents through the Varbi recruitment system. Use the application button at the top right of the job posting page and follow the instructions. Applications are preferred in English but Swedish is also accepted.
Your application should include the following documents:
- A personal letter and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Degree projects (e.g., master’s thesis) and previous publications, if any
- Documentation showing desirable skills and experience
- Documents certifying general eligibility (see section A)
- Documents certifying specific eligibility (see section B)
Selection is based on the applicant’s ability to benefit from doctoral education, evaluated on subject knowledge, analytical skill and other relevant documented experience. All applicants will be informed once recruitment is completed. Karolinska Institutet applies a salary scale when setting salaries for doctoral students.
Last Date to Apply
Open Until Filled
Apply Link
Official application page: Doctoral (PhD) student position in childhood cancer — Karolinska Institutet (Varbi)
Final Notes
This position offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful translational research aimed at improving outcomes for children with cancer. If you meet the eligibility requirements and are passionate about pediatric oncology research, consider applying and preparing the required documentation through the Varbi recruitment portal.
