This fully funded PhD position is offered through a joint program between KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Karolinska Institutet (KI), two of Sweden's leading research institutions. The project is situated at the intersection of medical technology, neuroscience, and computational modeling, focusing on the development of biophysically detailed in silico models of the basal ganglia nuclei. The research aims to advance mechanistic understanding of the striato-nigral pathway and its role in action selection under varying dopamine states, with implications for disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia.

The doctoral student will be co-supervised by Prof Jeanette Hellgren Kotaleski (KTH), Prof Gilad Silberberg (KI), and Prof Sten Grillner (KI), ensuring a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment. The KTH group will primarily lead the development of model building and analysis tools, while the KI labs will contribute crucial experimental data and expertise in neuroscience. The project leverages both in vitro and in vivo experimentation, as well as advanced computational simulations, to generate new hypotheses and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree or equivalent in medicine, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, computer science, computational biology, or a related field. Strong skills in programming, statistics, and computational modeling are highly desirable, as is experience in multidisciplinary research environments. English proficiency equivalent to English B/6 is required. Clinical interest and experience are considered assets. Selection will emphasize academic qualifications, research experience, analytical ability, and personal skills such as independence, collaboration, and professionalism.

The position is full-time, with employment for up to four years, and includes a monthly salary according to KTH’s doctoral student salary agreement, as well as employee benefits. The successful candidate will benefit from the vibrant research communities at both KTH and KI, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The application deadline is March 21, 2026.

To apply, submit your application through KTH’s recruitment system, ensuring all required documents are included: diplomas, grades, language certificates, CV, application letter, and representative publications. For further information, contact the supervisors or visit their academic profile pages.