Doctoral (PhD) student position in the area of wearable biosensors and dermatology

Doctoral (PhD) student position in the area of wearable biosensors and dermatology

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. For a doctoral degree, the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education is required.

The research group

The position is located within the research team of Onur Parlak within the Department of Medicine, Solna. The department consists of eleven divisions and each division consists of several research groups. The Department of Medicine, Solna is one of the largest departments at Karolinska Institute. The core activities of the Department of Medicine are clinical and undergraduate education for medical as well as biomedical students, post-graduate education, including at present 200 registered PhD students, and research in different areas of biomedicine. The department conducts research in a large number of areas. The proximity to patients is one of the department’s strengths. Conducting research in a clinical environment gives excellent opportunities to integrate basic research and patient-centered research.

Parlak lab is an established laboratory in the Division that aims to use innovative science at the interface between biotechnology, materials science, and electronics to tackle the key area of critical importance to society: healthcare and biomaterials. Parlak Lab investigates the application of bioelectronics in medicine to meet the need for complex, dynamic environments and to develop novel devices for healthcare. The overall aim of the lab is to develop new technologies to combat healthcare challenges and design novel tools for early diagnostics and solutions for digital medicine and remote monitoring.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral project aims to develop a novel medical sensor technology to quantitatively measure disease biomarkers. This will be achieved by designing epidermal bioelectronic devices measuring key physicochemical and biological biomarkers of the skin using in vivo, ex vivo human and animal models.

With the ultimate goal of providing important new knowledge for skin diagnostics and care, the doctoral student is expected to gain broad knowledge on:

- How to design and fabricate medical sensors.
- How to navigate physicochemical and structural changes in human skin before, during and after the diseases.
- How to develop an epidermal sensor and diagnostic tools to monitor skin to guide precise skincare and develop therapeutic applications.

The doctoral project will combine biosensor research with basic biochemistry, dermatology and electrochemistry and biomaterials to generate truly interdisciplinary doctoral research scientist. The result from the doctoral project will be a model platform and pave the way for novel molecular and wearable biosensing to implement preventative actions.

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.

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

- 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 in the advanced/second-cycle/master level, or
- have 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.

Skills and personal qualities

We are looking for a curiosity-driven, inquisitive and enthusiastic person interested in our area of research and ready to explore new avenues in science. The candidate is expected to have a collaborative approach to research, work productively in a team, and contribute to a good social environment in the laboratory.

The applicant shall hold a Master´s degree (or equivalent) in natural or engineering sciences. The candidates with previous experience in biosensors, electrochemistry, and polymer chemistry are not required but are considered important merit to reach the goal of the doctoral project. The applicant needs to have a high degree of independence and motivation but should have no problems working in a team, given the collaborative nature of the project. Fluency in English is a requirement.

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.

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

Type of employment: PhD placement
Contract type: Full time
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100
City: Solna
County: Stockholms län
Country: Sweden
Reference number: STÖD 2-767/2025
Contact:
- Onur Parlak, onur.parlak@ki.se
Union representative:
- Maria Eldh, OFR, maria.eldh@ki.se
- Louisa Cheung, SACO, Louisa.Cheung@ki.se
- Farzad Hedayaty, SACO-s, farzad.hedayaty@ki.se
Published: 2025-02-13
Last application date: 2025-03-13

Job details

Title

Doctoral (PhD) student position in the area of wearable biosensors and dermatology

2025-03-13 23:59 (Europe/Stockholm)
2025-03-13 23:59 (CET)

Karolinska Institutet's mission is to contribute to the improvement of human health through research and education.

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