Karolinska Institutet (KI) in Stockholm, Sweden, is offering a fully funded PhD position in Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, digital pathology, and precision medicine. The doctoral researcher will work within the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics on the development and application of advanced AI methods for prostate cancer diagnosis, grading, prognostication, and precision medicine.
This is an excellent opportunity for candidates with a Master’s degree or equivalent background in bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, computer science, medicine, image processing, statistics, software engineering, or a related field.
The position is based at KI’s Solna campus in Stockholm and is offered as a full-time doctoral studentship for up to four years.
Karolinska Institutet PhD Position 2026 – Overview
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Karolinska Institutet |
| Department | Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics |
| Research Area | AI, Machine Learning, Computational Pathology, Precision Medicine |
| PhD Field | Digital Pathology and Prostate Cancer |
| Study Location | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Campus | Solna Campus |
| Funding | Doctoral studentship with contractual salary |
| Duration | Maximum 4 years |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Number of Positions | 1 |
| Language | English |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2026 |
| Reference Number | STÖD 2-3226/2026 |
About the PhD Research Project
The research project focuses on using artificial intelligence and machine learning for precision medicine, particularly in the analysis of digital pathology data.
Digital scanning of tissue samples is increasingly used in modern pathology and generates large amounts of image data. The research group applies advanced AI techniques to this information to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and reproducibility of pathological assessments.
The project also involves multimodal analytics, combining digital pathology images with molecular information and clinical variables. These approaches are intended to develop AI models that can help predict disease progression and identify potentially effective treatment strategies.
The doctoral researcher will work on projects evaluating both internally developed AI models and publicly available foundation models for:
- Prostate cancer diagnosis
- Prostate cancer grading
- Cancer prognostication
- Digital pathology analysis
- Precision medicine
- Multimodal biomedical data analysis
- AI-assisted clinical decision-making
- Agentic AI systems
- Clinical histopathology workflow optimization
The precise research topic will be determined according to the applicant’s interests and the research group’s expertise.
Research Group and Academic Environment
The PhD position is hosted by the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (MEB) at Karolinska Institutet’s Solna campus.
The research group operates at the intersection of computer science, mathematics, biotechnology, medicine, AI, and image analysis. Its core expertise includes large-scale image processing, deep-learning-based AI algorithms, and high-performance computing.
The group is affiliated with the national Data Driven Life Sciences (DDLS) program and SciLifeLab.
Doctoral researchers will have opportunities to collaborate with researchers within MEB as well as national and international academic and industry partners. These collaborations may provide opportunities for international research experience, conferences, and research visits to other universities.
What Will the PhD Student Do?
The selected doctoral student will:
- Conduct independent research under supervision.
- Analyze digital pathology data.
- Evaluate advanced AI and machine learning models.
- Work with foundation models for prostate cancer research.
- Develop AI algorithms for computational pathology.
- Investigate diagnostic and prognostic applications of AI.
- Contribute to precision medicine research.
- Work with interdisciplinary researchers and clinicians.
- Develop expertise in modern image-analysis methodologies.
- Prepare scientific manuscripts for publication.
- Take an active role in developing and managing research projects.
PhD Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy both the general eligibility requirements and the specific English-language requirement for doctoral education at Karolinska Institutet by the application deadline.
General Eligibility
Applicants generally qualify for doctoral education if they:
- Hold a second-cycle/advanced Master’s degree; or
- Have completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher-education credits, including at least 60 credits at Master’s/advanced level; or
- Have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge through another route in Sweden or abroad.
Applicants claiming equivalent knowledge must follow KI’s requirements for assessment of equivalent qualifications.
English Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school level.
Karolinska Institutet provides separate instructions regarding acceptable documentation of English proficiency.
Preferred Academic Background
The ideal candidate should have a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a field relevant to computational pathology, such as:
- Bioinformatics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Computer Science
- Image or Signal Processing
- Medicine
- Software Engineering
- Statistics
- Related biomedical or computational disciplines
Candidates should also have a basic understanding of AI and machine learning and an interest in developing deeper theoretical and practical expertise in these areas.
Good programming skills in at least one programming language are expected. Applicants may demonstrate their programming experience through previous projects, studies, or platforms such as GitHub or GitLab.
Desirable Skills and Experience
The following qualifications are considered advantageous:
- Experience with digital pathology data.
- Familiarity with whole-slide image formats and tools.
- Experience with biomedical imaging or microscopy.
- Knowledge of PyTorch or other AI frameworks.
- Experience with TensorFlow, OpenCV, or MATLAB.
- Strong Python programming skills.
- Software engineering experience.
- Knowledge of version control and software testing.
- Experience with high-performance computing.
- Experience with cloud computing or supercomputing environments.
- Knowledge of databases, data management, or registries.
- Interest in pathology, oncology, or related medical fields.
- Scientific writing experience.
- Experience working in interdisciplinary teams.
Personal Qualities
Karolinska Institutet places strong emphasis on the applicant’s personal qualities.
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Initiative and independence.
- Responsibility for research activities.
- Perseverance when facing research challenges.
- Excellent teamwork skills.
- Collegiality.
- Ability to communicate across different academic and professional disciplines.
Funding and Salary
The successful applicant will be employed as a doctoral student under a doctoral studentship.
The position is:
- Full-time
- Up to 4 years
- 100% full-time equivalent
- Paid through a contractual monthly salary
Karolinska Institutet states that doctoral student salaries are determined according to its salary scale.
As an employee, the doctoral student may also benefit from KI’s employee support, including access to its modern gym and reimbursement for medical care, according to the university’s applicable policies.
Application Documents
Applicants should submit their application through the Varbi recruitment system.
The application should include:
- Personal letter
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Degree projects
- Previous publications, if applicable
- Documentation demonstrating desirable skills and personal qualities
- Documents proving general doctoral eligibility
- Documents proving specific eligibility, including English proficiency
The application is preferably written in English, although applications may also be submitted in Swedish.
How Applicants Will Be Selected
Eligible applicants will be evaluated based on their ability to benefit from doctoral education.
Karolinska Institutet considers:
- Documented subject knowledge relevant to the research area
- Analytical ability
- Relevant knowledge and experience
- Other documented qualifications relevant to doctoral studies
All applicants will be informed once the recruitment process has been completed.
How to Apply for the Karolinska Institutet PhD Position
Interested candidates should submit their complete application through the Karolinska Institutet Varbi recruitment system before the application deadline.
Applicants should carefully prepare their CV, personal statement, academic documents, publications, degree projects, and evidence of relevant technical and research skills before submitting the application.
Application deadline: August 31, 2026.
Important Dates and Position Details
- Published: August 6, 2026
- Application deadline: August 31, 2026
- Position: PhD placement
- Employment: Full-time
- Duration: Maximum 4 years
- Number of positions: 1
- Location: Stockholm, Sweden
- County: Stockholms län
- Reference number: STÖD 2-3226/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a fully funded PhD at Karolinska Institutet?
The source describes the position as a doctoral studentship with a contractual monthly salary. It is a full-time doctoral employment for a maximum of four years.
What is the deadline for this PhD position?
The application deadline is August 31, 2026.
Where is the PhD position located?
The position is based at Karolinska Institutet’s Solna campus in Stockholm, Sweden.
What is the research area?
The research focuses on artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational pathology, digital pathology, prostate cancer, and precision medicine.
What academic background is suitable?
Applicants with Master’s-level qualifications in areas such as computer science, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, medicine, statistics, image processing, software engineering, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Is programming experience required?
Applicants are expected to have good programming skills in at least one programming language. Strong Python programming is listed as a desirable qualification.
What documents are required?
Applicants should provide a personal letter, CV, degree projects and publications where applicable, evidence of relevant skills, and documents demonstrating both general and specific doctoral eligibility.
Conclusion
The Karolinska Institutet PhD Position in AI and Computational Pathology 2026 offers an opportunity to join an interdisciplinary research environment working on advanced artificial intelligence technologies for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and precision medicine.
Candidates with relevant Master’s-level qualifications, AI/ML knowledge, programming experience, and an interest in computational pathology should consider applying before the August 31, 2026 deadline.
Reference Number: STÖD 2-3226/2026
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
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