Do you want to contribute to improving human health?
We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative scientist with expertise in neuroimmunology and glial biology research, with a particular focus on microglial regulation of myelin and neurons in aging and neurological disorders. The position is embedded in a strong translational environment within the Division of Neuro, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, and will address key challenges in diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), neuroinflammatory conditions, and age-related neurological decline. The research is expected to integrate mechanistic insights with clinical relevance and translational value, contributing to an improved understanding and treatment of central nervous system CNS disorders.
Your mission
In collaboration with research teams within the department and beyond, and by combining advanced experimental approaches, novel transgenic tools, and access to patient-derived materials, you will:
- Establish an independent, internationally competitive research program, and secure external funding
- Carry out new and ongoing research to: (i) Elucidate the fundamental mechanisms governing myelin vulnerability and repair across aging and neurological diseases, with a particular focus on microglia-myelin interactions and region-specific CNS resilience. (ii) Develop innovative translational approaches targeting neuroinflammation and remyelination.
- Supervise doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, and contribute to teaching in neuroimmunology-related PhD courses.
The employment as Assistant Professor is time limited for 6 years with the right to apply for promotion to Senior Lecturer.
Eligibility requirements
Those eligible for employment as an Assistant Professor are individuals who have been awarded a PhD or attained equivalent research competence. Preference should be given to those who were awarded a PhD or attained equivalent research competence no more than seven years, normally, prior to the expiry of the application period for the position as assistant professor.
Those who have been awarded a PhD or attained equivalent research competence earlier may however be considered if special grounds exist.
Special grounds refer to:
- parental leave,
- positions of trust in trade union organizations
- mandatory service in the total defense forces
- long-term illness
Ground, dates and extent must be clearly specified in the application and verified with relevant documentation.
Appointment to the position of Assistant Professor requires good scientific skills and good pedagogical skills. (See the Instructions regarding the Appointment Procedure for Teachers at Karolinska Institutet).
It is a requirement that you have completed three weeks of courses on teaching in higher education as indicated in the recommendations of the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institution. If you lack such education at the time of employment, you must undergo such education during the first two years of employment.
Bases of assessment
Demonstrated scientific expertise in experimental neuroimmunology, microglial biology, or related relevant fields. Particular emphasis will be placed on a strong track record of scientific excellence, including high productivity, translational relevance, independence, and international engagement.
For employment as Assistant Professor at Karolinska Institutet, the eligibility requirements and assessment criteria stated in the Instructions regarding the Appointment Procedure are applied in relation to established profile of employment.
It is particilarly meritorious that you have demonstrated
- Scientific excellence, including quality, originality, and impact of previous research.
- A strong publication record in leading international journals, documented research independence, and the ability to secure competitive external funding.
It is meritorious that you have demonstrated
- Experience from internationally leading research environments.
- The ability to develop an innovative and translational research profile within neuroimmunology and clinical neuroscience, including relevance to neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
- Teaching expertise, experience in supervision, and the ability to collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary environments.
After an overall assessment of the expertise and merits of the applicants in relation to the subject area, Karolinska Institutet will determine which of them has the best potential to contribute to a positive development of the activities at KI.
What do we offer?
A creative, international and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world’s leading medical universities. Here, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Several of the people you meet in healthcare are educated at KI. A close relationship with the health care providers is important for creating groundbreaking top quality education and research. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several good benefits through our collective agreement.
Location: Solna
Read more about the Department of Clinical Neuroscience
Read more about the research group you will be part of
Application
Your application must contain a resumé and a qualifications portfolio including a description of your research plan, both presented in accordance with Karolinska Institutet’s template (http://ki.se/qualificationsportfolio).
The applications will be reviewed by external reviewers, most often both national and international. For that reason, all the submitted documents should be written in English.
The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system
Particular assessment for promotion to Senior Lecturer
An Assistant Professor employed in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 4 Section 12a shall be promoted to Senior Lecturer if he or she is eligible for an employment as Senior Lecturer in accordance with the Instructions regarding the Appointment Procedure for Teachers at Karolinska Institutet and is assessed to be suitable for such employment in accordance with the assessment criteria that KI has decided should be applied when being promoted to Senior Lecturer. The assessment criteria stated in the Instructions regarding the Appointment Procedure for Teachers at Karolinska Institutet that was valid at the time of appointment as Assistant Professor will be applied when applying for promotion to Senior Lecturer. Current assessment criteria is found here. Such promotion results in a permanent position as Senior Lecturer.
Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all!
| Type of employment | Temporary position |
|---|---|
| Contract type | Full time |
| First day of employment | According to agreement |
| Salary | Monthly salary |
| Number of positions | 1 |
| Full-time equivalent | 100% |
| City | Stockholm |
| County | Stockholms län |
| Country | Sweden |
| Reference number | STÖD 2-1797/2026 |
| Contact | Mikaela Hernberg, HR Administrator, +468-52483047, mikaela.hernberg@ki.seRobert Harris, Research group leader, +468-51776561, robert.harris@ki.se |
| Union representative | Yongtao Xue-Franzén, OFR/ST, yongtao.xue.franzen@ki.sePer Hydbring, SACO, per.hydbring@ki.seElizabeth Valenzuela, SEKO, 08-52486363, elizabeth.valenzuela@ki.se |
| Published | 29.Apr.2026 |
| Last application date | 20.May.2026 |