PhD Position in Oral Biology and Medicine

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

To be a doctoral student means to devote oneself to a research project under supervision of experienced researchers and following an individual study plan. Doctoral students conduct a research project under supervision, complemented by courses and other learning activities. For a doctoral degree, the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education is required.

Karolinska Institutet is world-renowned for its research and education in dentistry. The Department of Dental Medicine has been a global leader for several decades and provides theoretical education for dentists and dental hygienists, as well as a complementary programme for dentists trained outside Europe. The department also conducts world-leading research and specialist training.

In 2026, our Dentistry Programme was ranked number one in the world in one of the world's most influential university rankings. Most of the students’ clinical training takes place at one of the six dental clinics within the University Dental Clinic.

We are certified according to ISO 14001:2015, reflecting our commitment to continuous improvement in reducing negative environmental impact.

We are now seeking a doctoral student (PhD candidate) to join the Oral Biology and Medicine Research Group within the Division of Oral Diagnostics and Surgery.

The research group

The Oral Biology and Medicine Research Group conducts research on diseases affecting the soft tissues of the oral cavity. We are based at Campus Flemingsberg in Stockholm within the Department of Dental Medicine and are affiliated with Ana Futura, a state-of-the-art research facility.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The use of nicotine pouches, also known as “white snus”, is increasing rapidly, while knowledge of their biological effects and long-term health consequences remains limited. The advertised doctoral project aims to improve understanding of how nicotine pouches and other Swedish smokeless tobacco products affect the oral mucosa at the clinical, histological, and molecular levels. The findings are expected to provide an important scientific basis for risk assessment, clinical management, public health initiatives, and future regulatory decisions regarding smokeless nicotine and tobacco products.

The project is interdisciplinary and combines clinical research, oral pathology, molecular biology, genomics, and analytical chemistry. This offers the doctoral student an opportunity to develop broad research expertise within a timely and socially relevant field of research.

The doctoral student will receive comprehensive training in histopathology, genetic analyses, toxicology, and data analysis, and will work closely with colleagues in the Oral Biology and Medicine Research Group as well as Professor Maria Eriksson’s research group at the Department of Medicine. The student will conduct experiments, analyse complex experimental data, interpret and present results, and contribute to the writing of scientific publications.

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. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden.

As a doctoral student 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. Karolinska Institutet collaborates with prominent universities from all around the world, which ensures opportunities for international exchanges. You will be employed on a doctoral studentship which means that you receive a contractual salary. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Eligibility requirements for doctoral education

In order to participate in the selection for a doctoral position, you must meet the following general (A) and specific (B) eligibility requirements at latest by the application deadline.

As an applicant, it is your responsibility to certify eligibility by following the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

A) General eligibility requirement

You meet the general eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), orhave satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the advanced/second-cycle/master level, orhave acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.*Follow the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

*If you claim equivalent knowledge, follow the instructions on the web page Assessing equivalent knowledge for general eligibility for doctoral education.

B) Specific eligibility requirement

You meet the specific eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

• Show proficiency in English equivalent to the course English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school.

Follow the instructions on the web page English language requirements for doctoral education.

Verification of your documents Karolinska Institutet checks the authenticity of your documents. Karolinska Institutet reserves the right to revoke admission if supporting documents are discovered to be fraudulent. Submission of false documents is a violation of Swedish law and is considered grounds for legal action.

(A) and (B)can only be certified by the documentation requirement for doctoral education.

Skills and personal qualities

Applications are invited from outstanding candidates holding a degree in Dentistry or an equivalent qualification. Experience in histology, biomedicine, and molecular biology is highly desirable, as is prior knowledge of histology, immunology, and/or genetics

We are looking for a candidate who can work independently while also interacting effectively and contributing productively within a team environment.

The successful applicant should be highly motivated, creative, and possess strong communication skills, including an excellent command of spoken and written English. Proficiency in Swedish is considered an advantage for patient interactions.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Terms and conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

Application process

Submit your application and supporting documents through the Varbi recruitment system. Use the button in the top right corner and follow the instructions. We prefer that your application is written in English, but you can also apply in Swedish.

Your application must contain the following documents:

• A personal letter and a curriculum vitae

• Degree projects and previous publications, if any

• Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above

• Documents certifying your general eligibility (see A above)

• Documents certifying your specific eligibility (see B above)

Selection

A selection will be made among eligible applicants on the basis of the ability to benefit from doctoral education. The qualifications of the applicants will be evaluated on an overall basis.

Karolinska Institutet uses the following bases of assessment:

• Documented subject knowledge of relevance to the area of research

• Analytical skill

• Other documented knowledge or experience that may be relevant to doctoral studies in the subject.

All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed.

KI applies a salary scale when setting salaries for doctoral students.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all