PhD Position in Data-Driven Precision Medicine and Diagnostics (DDLS Program) – Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Karolinska Institutet in Sweden

Karolinska Institutet invites applications for a PhD position in Data-Driven Precision Medicine and Diagnostics as part of the prestigious DDLS Program, focusing on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about leveraging advanced computational methods, multi-omics data, and AI-driven analytics to unravel cancer biology and enable more precise, individualized treatments. The position is based in the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, within the Clinical Genetics Research Group led by Professor Richard Rosenquist Brandell, and includes an interdisciplinary team of bioinformaticians, computational scientists, molecular biologists, and clinical scientists.

The research group is located at BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, and is actively involved in national and international collaborative efforts in CLL. The group generates large-scale multi-omics datasets from patients, including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, complemented by detailed clinical information. Additional data will be generated and integrated with published datasets, providing the PhD student access to exceptionally rich resources for data-driven discovery. Computational resources include NAISS supercomputing and local HPC facilities.

The DDLS PhD project aims to develop and apply integrative multi-omics and AI-based computational methods to identify novel molecular subtypes of CLL, discover biomarkers associated with disease progression and treatment response, and unravel regulatory and causal mechanisms underlying therapy resistance. The research will integrate high-dimensional omics data with knowledge graphs, clinical information, and external datasets to generate testable biological hypotheses. The student will participate in DDLS Research School activities, national workshops, and specialized courses in AI, statistics, and integrative omics.

Eligibility requires a master’s degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, engineering, statistics, biomedicine, or a related field. Applicants must demonstrate computational/programming skills (e.g., Python, R), experience with omics data analysis, and proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary school English B/English 6. Desired merits include experience with machine learning, deep learning, network analysis, multi-omics integration, large-scale data processing, knowledge graphs, version-controlled pipelines (Git, Nextflow, Snakemake, Docker), background in cancer biology or immunology, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.

The DDLS Program, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, aims to recruit and train the next generation of data-driven life scientists and create globally leading computational and data science capabilities in Sweden. The program is expanding in 2026, with more than 260 PhD students and 200 postdocs participating in the Research School. Strategic research areas include cell and molecular biology, evolution and biodiversity, precision medicine and diagnostics, epidemiology, and biology of infection.

Karolinska Institutet offers an inspiring research environment with cutting-edge expertise in medical science, modern laboratory and computational facilities, and strong ties to clinical practice. Employees and students benefit from on-site gym, health promotion services, and a vibrant scientific community. The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship for up to 4 years full-time, with salary and benefits.

Applications must be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system, including a personal letter, CV, degree projects, previous publications, documentation of eligibility, and evidence of relevant skills. Applications can be written in English or Swedish. Selection is based on documented subject knowledge, analytical skill, and other relevant experience. All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed.

Supervision will be provided by Professor Richard Rosenquist Brandell (clinical genetics, molecular hematology, precision diagnostics), Professor Janne Lehtiö (proteogenomics, multiomics integration, bioinformatics), Dr. Leily Rabbani (bioinformatics, NGS pipelines, machine learning, knowledge graphs), and Dr. Daniel Hägerstrand (molecular biology, large-scale data analysis, functional validation).

Join Karolinska Institutet and contribute to the development of next-generation strategies for understanding and treating CLL, making a difference in medical research and health for all.