Summary
Karolinska Institutet is inviting applications for a Doctoral (PhD) position in Human Evolution and Developmental Gene Regulation within the Kragesteen lab. This ERC-funded project focuses on deciphering gene regulatory mechanisms of hypoxia resilience using Tibetan high-altitude adaptation as a model. The successful candidate will work with kidney organoids and iPSCs to explore oxygen homeostasis and help develop treatments for hypoxia-related diseases.
Position Overview
| Designation | Doctoral (PhD) Student |
| Research Area | Human Evolution, Developmental Gene Regulation, Hypoxia Physiology |
| Location | Solna, Sweden |
| Duration | 4 years (Full-time) |
| Last Date to Apply | November 28, 2026 |
Designation
Doctoral Student (PhD placement)
Research Area
The research focuses on Human Evolution and Developmental Gene Regulation, specifically investigating the molecular logic of oxygen sensing through Norn cells and Tibetan hypoxia adaptation. Key areas include gene regulation, hypoxia resilience, kidney organoids, and CRISPR-based genomic manipulation.
Location
Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.
Eligibility/Qualification
To be eligible for this doctoral position, applicants must meet both general and specific requirements:
General Eligibility
- A completed second-cycle/advanced/Master’s degree; OR
- Completion of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits were awarded at the Master’s level; OR
- Equivalent knowledge acquired in Sweden or abroad.
Specific Eligibility
- Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6.
Desired Skills
- A background in evolution, gene regulation, or hypoxia physiology.
- Experience with iPSC and organoid culture, sc-omics, and CRISPR technology is highly advantageous.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills in English.
Scholarship Description
The Kragesteen lab utilizes the natural experiment of Tibetan adaptation to high altitude to understand hypoxia resilience. This PhD project aims to unravel the molecular logic of oxygen sensing by establishing kidney organoid models from iPSCs of Tibetan ancestry. As a doctoral student at Karolinska Institutet, you will receive a contractual salary and access to world-class research facilities, elective courses, and international exchange opportunities. The position is fully funded for four years.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system. The application should include the following documents:
- A personal letter and a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Degree projects and any previous scientific publications.
- Documentation certifying general eligibility (Master’s degree or transcripts).
- Documentation certifying specific eligibility (English language proficiency).
Selection is based on the applicant’s analytical skills, documented subject knowledge, and overall suitability for the research group.
Last Date for Apply
November 28, 2026
Apply Link
Interested candidates can apply directly through the official portal: Apply for PhD Position at Karolinska Institutet
