Overview
Karolinska Institutet is inviting applications for a fully funded Doctoral (PhD) student position in oesophageal and gastric cancer within the Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery research group. The project aims to reduce mortality associated with oesophago-gastric cancers by investigating medications affecting tumour incidence and recurrence, as well as developing advanced survival prediction models.
Scholarship Summary
The successful applicant will be employed on a doctoral studentship for up to four years of full-time research education. The project is partly funded by Karolinska Institutet centrally (KID-funding) and offers a contractual salary following KI’s salary scale for doctoral students, along with employee benefits.
Key Information Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | Doctoral (PhD) Student |
| Research Area | Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer (Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery) |
| Host Institution | Karolinska Institutet |
| Department | Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery |
| Location | Solna, Stockholm, Sweden |
| Employment Type | Full-time (Contractual doctoral studentship up to 4 years) |
| Number of Positions | 1 |
| Application Deadline | 20 November 2026 |
Research Area and Duties
The PhD candidate will join the internationally recognised Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery research group led by Professor Jesper Lagergren. Key duties and responsibilities include:
- Collecting and reviewing research data from patient medical journals and national health registries across the Nordic countries.
- Performing data management and advanced statistical analyses of large cohorts.
- Reading literature, developing study protocols, and writing scientific articles and the PhD thesis.
- Actively engaging in PhD-level coursework, internal research seminars, journal clubs, and international academic conferences.
- Attending supervisory meetings and preparing regular progress reports.
Scholarship Description & Benefits
- Contractual Salary: Employment on a doctoral studentship with standard contractual PhD salary progression according to Karolinska Institutet guidelines.
- World-Class Environment: Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure at one of the world’s leading medical universities.
- Additional Benefits: Subsidised or free access to modern on-campus sports/gym facilities, wellness benefits, and healthcare reimbursements under Swedish employment terms.
Eligibility and Qualifications
General Eligibility Requirement
Candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Hold a second-cycle (Master’s) degree.
- Have completed course requirements comprising at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 credits were awarded at the advanced (second-cycle/Master’s) level.
- Have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.
Specific Eligibility Requirement
- Demonstrated proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6/English B.
Qualifying Skills and Experience
- Language Skills: Excellent verbal and written proficiency in both English and Swedish (Swedish is required for reviewing patient medical records).
- Academic/Clinical Background: A medical background is strongly qualifying due to the extensive review of clinical records.
- Technical Skills: Demonstrated interest or competence in clinical research methodology and biostatistics.
- Personal Competence: High level of collaboration skills, enthusiasm, analytical ability, and curiosity.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through the Varbi recruitment system. Applicants should prepare and upload the following documents (in English or Swedish):
- Personal application letter (statement of purpose).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Copies of degree certificates, transcripts, or completed degree projects/publications.
- Documentation certifying general eligibility for doctoral studies.
- Documentation verifying specific English language proficiency.
Last Date for Apply
The closing date for applications is 20 November 2026.
Apply Link
Submit your application online via the official recruitment portal:
Apply for Doctoral Position at Karolinska Institutet
