Doctoral (PhD) student position in Epigenetics, Bioinformatics and AI Focused on Multiple Sclerosis

Karlstad University; Solna kommun; On-site; SEK 279,000 - 357,120; Full time

Job summary

Karolinska Institutet invites applications for a Doctoral (PhD) student position in Epigenetics, Bioinformatics and AI focused on Multiple Sclerosis. The four-year full-time doctoral education is conducted under supervision, with an individual study plan and a contractual salary.

The program integrates omics data, genetics, epigenetics and AI-driven analyses in a clinical research setting. The project aims to advance understanding of MS progression by integrating genetic, epigenetic, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in computational biology, data science, bioinformatics, or related fields.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and programming in Python, R, and Linux-based tools.
• Experience with modern machine learning and deep learning frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Analyse large-scale omics datasets.
• Develop and apply statistical methods and interpretable AI models.
• Identify biomarkers and molecular mechanisms linked to disease progression.
• Collaborate with bioinformaticians, molecular biologists, and clinicians.

Skills

Python

R

Linux

Machine learning

Deep learning

AI/ML in bioinformatics

Data integration

Education

Master's degree in computational biology

Tools

UPPMAX

Job description

Doctoral (PhD) student position in Epigenetics, Bioinformatics and AI Focused on Multiple Sclerosis

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 research group is led by Professor Maja Jagodic at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS) and is part of the Karolinska Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (KNIMS) network, which brings together approximately 100 researchers investigating different aspects of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to interactive, clinically driven research by combining a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying MS with access to world‑class clinical cohorts. You will benefit from a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and international research environment dedicated to developing innovative translational approaches within precision medicine.

The doctoral student project and duties

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system and one of the leading causes of neurological disability in young adults. The disease is highly heterogeneous with respect to its clinical presentation, progression, and treatment response, making prognosis and therapeutic decision‑making particularly challenging.

Epigenetic mechanisms are believed to play a key role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration processes, and a better understanding of these mechanisms has the potential to improve our understanding of disease progression while enabling more personalized management.

The PhD project aims to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying MS progression by integrating genetic, epigenetic, and clinical data using advanced bioinformatics and AI‑based analytical approaches. As a doctoral student, you will:

• analyse large‑scale omics datasets;
• develop and apply statistical methods and interpretable AI models;
• contribute to the identification of biological markers and molecular mechanisms associated with disease progression;
• collaborate closely with bioinformaticians, molecular biologists, and clinical researchers in a multidisciplinary environment.

Data‑driven life sciences (DDLS) use 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. SciLifeLab and Wallenberg’s national program for data‑driven life science (DDLS) aim to recruit and train the next generation of researchers in data‑driven life science and create globally leading competence in computational and data science for life science in Sweden. The program has SEK 3.1 billion in funding (≈ USD 290 million) over 12 years from Knut and Alice Wallenberg’s foundation.

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. 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. The doctoral student is employed on a 4‑year full‑time doctoral studentship, receiving a contractual salary. Employees also have access to a modern gym for free and reimbursements for medical care.

Eligibility requirements for doctoral education

General eligibility (A) and specific eligibility (B) must be met:

• A) General eligibility requirement: you have been awarded a second‑cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or have satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded at the advanced/second‑cycle/master level, or have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
• B) Specific eligibility requirement: you show proficiency in English equivalent to the course English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school.

Verification of documents is required; Karolinska Institutet reserves the right to revoke admission if fraudulent supporting documents are discovered.

Skills and personal qualities

We seek an intelligent, creative, hardworking, and enthusiastic team player. The PhD student will actively participate and, with time, lead the design, development, and implementation of computational and statistical methods, as well as scientific writing and presentations. The applicant must be deeply interested in computational medicine research and possess a master’s degree in computational biology, data science, bioinformatics, or related fields. Familiarity with basic concepts of statistical analysis and strong programming skills in Python, R, and Linux‑based software are required. Experience with modern machine learning and deep learning frameworks, parallel computing using clusters such as UPPMAX, and GPUs for high‑performance computing is essential. Advantageous experience includes genetic and omics data analysis and visualization, and familiarity with network theory and its applications.

Good social and communicative skills, the ability to collaborate and interact with professionals at different skill levels, responsibility, flexibility, and a commitment to maintaining a friendly and productive work environment are also required. A genuine personal letter composed without AI‑assistance can favorably impact evaluation.

Terms and conditions

The doctoral student is employed on a doctoral studentship for a maximum of 4 years full‑time.

Application process

Submit your application and supporting documents through the Varbi recruitment system using the button in the top right corner and following the instructions. A written application in English is preferred, but Swedish is also acceptable.

Your application must contain the following documents:

• personal letter and curriculum vitae;
• degree projects and previous publications, if any;
• documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above;
• documents certifying general eligibility (see A above);
• documents certifying specific eligibility (see B above).

Selection

Selection will be made among eligible applicants based on the ability to benefit from doctoral education. Applicants’ qualifications will be evaluated on an overall basis, including documented subject knowledge, analytical skill, and other relevant experience.

All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed. KI applies a salary scale when setting salaries for doctoral students.

Contact

Mikaela Hernberg, [e-mail]

Maja Jagodic, [e-mail]

Maria Needhamsen, [e-mail]

Union representative

• Per Hydbring, SACO, [e-mail]
• Yongtao Xue‑Franzén, OFR/ST, [e-mail]
• Robert Lindberg, SEKO, [e-mail]

Job details

Title: Doctoral (PhD) student position in Epigenetics, Bioinformatics and AI Focused on Multiple Sclerosis

Contract type: Full time

Duration: 4 years full‑time

Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Reference number: STÖD 2-3105/2026

Closing date: 2026-08-09