Doctoral (PhD) student position in Epigenetics, Bioinformatics and AI focused on Multiple Sclerosis Karolinska Institutet in Sweden

Karolinska Institutet is advertising a doctoral (PhD) student position in epigenetics, bioinformatics, and AI focused on multiple sclerosis (MS). The project is hosted in the research group led by Professor Maja Jagodic at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience and is connected to the Karolinska Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (KNIMS) network. This collaborative environment brings together around 100 researchers working on MS pathogenesis and offers access to clinically driven research and world-class cohorts.

The PhD project aims to improve understanding of MS progression by integrating genetic, epigenetic, and clinical data using advanced bioinformatics and AI-based approaches. The student will analyze large-scale omics datasets, develop and apply statistical methods and interpretable AI models, and help identify biological markers and molecular mechanisms associated with disease progression. The work sits at the intersection of clinical neuroscience, computational biology, epigenetics, and precision medicine.

The position is part of the SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS), which supports training in data-driven research and computational life science. The DDLS research school provides a strong national network and interdisciplinary graduate training environment. The program is described as one of Sweden’s major investments in data-driven life science, with strategic areas including precision medicine and diagnostics, cell and molecular biology, transmission and infection biology, and evolution and biodiversity.

Karolinska Institutet offers a creative and inspiring research environment, individual supervision, elective courses, international collaboration opportunities, and a doctoral studentship with contractual salary. The role includes participation in postgraduate courses and in DDLS graduate school activities. The university emphasizes top-level medical research and a supportive, international academic setting.

Eligibility requirements include a master’s degree in computational biology, data science, bioinformatics, or a related field, or equivalent doctoral eligibility. Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to English B/English 6. Strong programming skills in Python, R, and Linux-based software, experience with machine learning and deep learning frameworks, and familiarity with high-performance computing on clusters and GPUs are essential. Experience with genetic/omics analysis, visualization, and network theory is beneficial. Strong teamwork, communication, and an interest in computational medicine are also important.

The position is full-time for up to four years and the application deadline is 2026-08-09. Applications should be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system together with a personal letter, CV, previous degree projects and publications if available, and documents proving eligibility. The advertised contact persons include Maja Jagodic and administrative contacts at Karolinska Institutet.