Fixed-term

Join a global community of excellence Are you a bold, creative researcher ready to shape the future of medical science? Karolinska Institutet (KI), one of the world’s foremost medical universities, is launching a major recruitment initiative in 2026. KI is looking for up to 21 outstanding early- career researchers to join us as Assistant Professors in a wide range of subject areas. At KI, we foster a vibrant and international academic environment that values curiosity, collaboration, innovation, and high quality research. We are looking for inspiring scientists who are motivated to contribute to and further develop strong research and education environment, and who demonstrate high quality science and potential for academic leadership. The Department of Laboratory Medicine offers a uniquely integrated and translational research environment, bridging advanced molecular and experimental medicine with clinical application. With seven specialized divisions closely linked to Karolinska University Hospital, our department spans the full spectrum from mechanistic discovery to diagnostics, advanced therapies, and academic clinical studies. This highly collaborative ecosystem enables close interaction between basic scientists, physician-scientists, clinicians, and technology-driven research platforms, accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into improved patient care. Researchers at Labmed benefit from access to a highly integrated translational research ecosystem, including advanced platforms in proteomics and mass spectrometry, imaging and spatial omics, AI-supported diagnostics, and emerging therapeutic technologies. As host department for the Karolinska ATMP Center for cell and gene therapy, Labmed has a dedicated pre-GMP facility providing unique opportunities to bridge mechanistic discovery with translational development and clinical implementation. As a new research group leader, you will have the opportunity to build an independent and internationally competitive research program within a supportive, multidisciplinary, and collegial environment. We are committed to long-term recruitment strategies focused on developing future academic leaders, with strong institutional support and opportunities for active engagement in teaching and departmental development.. What do we offer? If you meet our requirements and propose a groundbreaking research project, we are prepared to employ you as an Assistant Professor for six years and support you with a generous funding package of 12 MSEK to cover your salary and other research costs. KI offers the opportunity to be promoted from a time-limited (six-year) position as Assistant Professor to permanent employment as Senior Lecturer. You can read more about it here. At KI, you will be part of an interdisciplinary research community. Our researchers work across a wide range of fields and methodologies within medicine and health, creating rich opportunities for knowledge exchange and cross-disciplinary collaboration. You will also benefit from close connections with healthcare providers, ensuring your research remains closely aligned with real-world clinical practice. As a governmental authority, KI offers a comprehensive benefits package governed by collective agreements. These include annual salary reviews, supplementary insurance, and opportunities to participate in institutional decision-making. A successful research career is supported by a strong personal foundation. Sweden is known for being a family-friendly country, offering a high quality of life, generous parental leave, and excellent childcare and education systems — creating a welcoming environment for both researchers and their families. At KI, we value differences in backgrounds and perspectives, and diversity, equity and inclusion are parts of our core values. KI is dedicated to our work for equal opportunities and rejects all forms of discrimination. Learn more about what KI and Sweden can offer, and the different calls! Location: Flemingsberg Description of the subject area  The subject area of the position is Experimental Translational Medicine, with a focus on research that advances mechanistic understanding of human biology and disease while enabling clinical application. We welcome outstanding scientists whose research has the potential to generate transformative insights into disease mechanisms, diagnostics, prevention, or therapy, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes. The research may address a broad range of disease areas and biological mechanisms, including cancer progression and metastasis, tumour immunology and immunotherapy, infection biology and host–microbe interactions, immune regulation and inflammatory disease, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, regenerative medicine, drug response and pharmacology, and rare or complex diseases. We particularly encourage applicants whose research bridges molecular or cellular mechanisms with translational opportunities in diagnostics, biomarkers, precision medicine, advanced therapies, or future clinical implementation. Candidates may apply emerging technologies such as multi-omics, proteomics and mass spectrometry, spatial biology, advanced imaging, AI-supported analytics, computational medicine, experimental and patient-derived model systems, or innovative therapeutic platforms. The department offers a unique collaborative environment for experimentally and clinically oriented researchers aiming to bridge mechanistic and patient-centered research. The successful applicant is expected to establish an internationally competitive and externally funded research program and will be integrated into one of the department’s seven divisions depending on scientific profile and research focus. Your mission  This Assistant Professor position offers excellent opportunities to build a strong academic profile—primarily by developing your independence as a researcher, while also gaining valuable teaching and pedagogical experience. As a research group leader at the Department of Laboratory Medicine, your mission is to advance mechanistic understanding of human biology and disease while contributing to future diagnostics, therapies, or clinical implementation. You are expected to develop an independent research profile with scientific originality and translational relevance, and to actively engage in collaborations across experimental, technological, and clinical research environments. The position offers excellent opportunities to build a strong academic career through close interaction with clinicians, access to advanced research infrastructure, and participation in a vibrant international research community. You will be expected to secure external research funding, build and mentor a research team, supervise doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, and contribute to undergraduate and graduate education. We value curiosity, scientific creativity, collaborative engagement, and the ability to contribute positively to a supportive and forward-looking academic culture. The successful candidate is expected to contribute not only to scientific excellence, but also to the long-term development of the department’s research environment and academic community. Eligibility requirements  To be eligible for an appointment as Assistant Professor, you must demonstrate good scientific skills according to KI’s eligibility criteria as follows: A PhD (or equivalent degree) in a relevant subject area At least two peer-reviewed original scientific publications

Join a global community of excellence Are you a bold, creative researcher ready to shape the future of medical science? Karolinska Institutet (KI), one of the world’s foremost medical universities, is launching a major recruitment initiative in 2026. KI is looking for up to 21 outstanding early- career researchers to join us as Assistant Professors in a wide range of subject areas. At KI, we foster a vibrant and international academic environment that values curiosity, collaboration, innovation, and high quality research. We are looking for inspiring scientists who are motivated to contribute to and further develop strong research and education environment, and who demonstrate high quality science and potential for academic leadership. The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology CMB at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm is a leading academic research department that supports and advances long-term projects with the potential to yield groundbreaking discoveries within the broadly defined field of cell- and molecular biology. Situated in Biomedicum, a vibrant interdisciplinary milieu that hosts much of Karolinska Institutet’s experimental work, the department benefits from excellent core facilities and a direct link to SciLifeLab, a national research infrastructure center. CMB offers an exceptional environment for an ambitious early-career scientist seeking to build a top-quality research team focused on addressing fundamental, unresolved biomedical questions.​   What do we offer? If you meet our requirements and propose a groundbreaking research project, we are prepared to employ you as an Assistant Professor for six years and support you with a generous funding package of 12 MSEK to cover your salary and other research costs. KI offers the opportunity to be promoted from a time-limited (six-year) position as Assistant Professor to permanent employment as Senior Lecturer. You can read more about it here. At KI, you will be part of an interdisciplinary research community. Our researchers work across a wide range of fields and methodologies within medicine and health, creating rich opportunities for knowledge exchange and cross-disciplinary collaboration. You will also benefit from close connections with healthcare providers, ensuring your research remains closely aligned with real-world clinical practice. As a governmental authority, KI offers a comprehensive benefits package governed by collective agreements. These include annual salary reviews, supplementary insurance, and opportunities to participate in institutional decision-making. A successful research career is supported by a strong personal foundation. Sweden is known for being a family-friendly country, offering a high quality of life, generous parental leave, and excellent childcare and education systems — creating a welcoming environment for both researchers and their families. At KI, we value differences in backgrounds and perspectives, and diversity, equity and inclusion are parts of our core values. KI is dedicated to our work for equal opportunities and rejects all forms of discrimination. Learn more about what KI and Sweden can offer, and the different calls! Location: Stockholm Description of the subject area  We welcome applications from researchers tackling fundamental, unresolved problems in biomedicine across cell, molecular, developmental, and tissue biology. This call is intentionally inclusive: applicants working on diverse biological systems, processes, and scales are encouraged to apply. We are especially interested in work that develops novel technologies or conceptual frameworks (such as AI modelling, synthetic biology, cellular engineering, or human model systems), with the potential to enable transformative discoveries or create entirely new research directions. Our goal is to strengthen the department by recruiting outstanding researchers and supporting pioneering investigations that expand the boundaries of biomedical science. Your mission  This Assistant Professor position offers excellent opportunities to build a strong academic profile—primarily by developing your independence as a researcher, while also gaining valuable teaching and pedagogical experience. As an assistant professor at CMB you will lead your own research team, enjoying full academic freedom and bearing the responsibility to design and carry out your independent research. You will have primary responsibility for recruiting and supervising group members, including researchers and students, and are expected to participate in departmental activities, including teaching at various levels. There will be numerous opportunities to establish local, national and international collaborations to broaden and develop your investigations. You are also expected to disseminate your findings through peer reviewed publications and international meetings at a level that secures external funds to finance group expansion and long-term sustainability. In this call, there will be an opportunity at CMB for employment of up to two positions as Assistant Professor. Eligibility requirements  To be eligible for an appointment as Assistant Professor, you must demonstrate good scientific skills according to KI’s eligibility criteria as follows: A PhD (or equivalent degree) in a relevant subject area At least two peer-reviewed original scientific publications as first or last author, in addition to the doctoral thesis Priority is given to those who were awarded a PhD (or attained equivalent competence) no more than seven years prior to the expiry of the deadline for the application. Those who have been awarded a doctoral degree or attained equivalent research competence earlier will also be considered if there are special circumstances for absence from research (deductible time), such as: parental leave, long-term illness, positions of trust in trade union organizations or mandatory service in total defence. The circumstances, dates and extent must be clearly specified in the application and verified by relevant documentation. For this call, exceptions are made from all pedagogical requirements specified in the instructions regarding the Appointment procedure for teachers at KI. However, you must complete three weeks of higher education pedagogical courses in accordance with the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions’ recommendations, no later than two years after starting your employment as an Assistant Professor (unless you can certify that you have completed equivalent training before starting the position).  Assessment criteria Candidates will be evaluated based on both scientific and pedagogical qualifications, with greater emphasis placed on scientific excellence. The full set of assessment criteria is outlined in the instructions regarding the Appointment Procedure for Teachers at KI. Particularly meritorious is: clearly visible excellent scientific quality, originality, and feasibility in your research plan within a relevant subject area documented experience in research environments outside KI, with special consideration given to international research experience proven

Join a global community of excellence Are you a bold, creative researcher ready to shape the future of medical science? Karolinska Institutet (KI), one of the world’s foremost medical universities, is launching a major recruitment initiative in 2026. KI is looking for up to 21 outstanding early- career researchers to join us as Assistant Professors in a wide range of subject areas. At KI, we foster a vibrant and international academic environment that values curiosity, collaboration, innovation, and high quality research. We are looking for inspiring scientists who are motivated to contribute to and further develop strong research and education environment, and who demonstrate high quality science and potential for academic leadership. We can supply outstanding infrastructure with large, well-described clinical cohorts of several inflammatory diseases with longitudinally collected biological samples in close proximity to SciLifeLab with a wide array of advanced imaging and molecular techniques. Through access to both supervision and mentorship, we ensure a thriving and highly successful next generation of researchers.  What do we offer? If you meet our requirements and propose a groundbreaking research project, we are prepared to employ you as an Assistant Professor for six years and support you with a generous funding package of 9 MSEK to cover your salary and other research costs. KI offers the opportunity to be promoted from a time-limited (six-year) position as Assistant Professor to permanent employment as Senior Lecturer. You can read more about it here. At KI, you will be part of an interdisciplinary research community. Our researchers work across a wide range of fields and methodologies within medicine and health, creating rich opportunities for knowledge exchange and cross-disciplinary collaboration. You will also benefit from close connections with healthcare providers, ensuring your research remains closely aligned with real-world clinical practice. As a governmental authority, KI offers a comprehensive benefits package governed by collective agreements. These include annual salary reviews, supplementary insurance, and opportunities to participate in institutional decision-making. A successful research career is supported by a strong personal foundation. Sweden is known for being a family-friendly country, offering a high quality of life, generous parental leave, and excellent childcare and education systems — creating a welcoming environment for both researchers and their families. At KI, we value differences in backgrounds and perspectives, and diversity, equity and inclusion are parts of our core values. KI is dedicated to our work for equal opportunities and rejects all forms of discrimination. Learn more about what KI and Sweden can offer, and the different calls! Location: Solna Description of the subject area  Diseases and non-malignant conditions involving inflammation—such as allergic, cardiovascular, dermatological, endocrine, gastroenterological, infectious, pulmonary and rheumatic disorders— affect a significant proportion of the population. Entirely new and revolutionary treatment principles are on the horizon for these patient groups. Your mission  This Assistant Professor position offers excellent opportunities to build a strong academic profile—primarily by developing your independence as a researcher, while also gaining valuable teaching and pedagogical experience. We are now searching for an early career scientist to work within the disease areas stated above using human biological samples and clinical phenotypes. You have the ability to make the outmost use of the unique opportunities we can offer to identify molecular targets for diseases where such targets are lacking, or to identify biomarkers that determine which patients should be offered which treatment, or to follow up and evaluate interventions and outcomes in clinical studies. You are expected to lead a research team performing high-quality and independent research within the subject area, take part in educational activities and supervise PhD students and postdocs, as well as collaborate nationally and internationally and apply for external funding. You are also expected to interact with local clinical and basic scientists and actively contribute to the academic discussion and environment at the department. Eligibility requirements  To be eligible for an appointment as Assistant Professor, you must demonstrate good scientific skills according to KI’s eligibility criteria as follows: A PhD (or equivalent degree) in a relevant subject area At least two peer-reviewed original scientific publications as first or last author, in addition to the doctoral thesis Priority is given to those who were awarded a PhD (or attained equivalent competence) no more than seven years prior to the expiry of the deadline for the application. Those who have been awarded a doctoral degree or attained equivalent research competence earlier will also be considered if there are special circumstances for absence from research (deductible time), such as: parental leave, long-term illness, positions of trust in trade union organizations or mandatory service in total defence. The circumstances, dates and extent must be clearly specified in the application and verified by relevant documentation. For this call, exceptions are made from all pedagogical requirements specified in the instructions regarding the Appointment procedure for teachers at KI. However, you must complete three weeks of higher education pedagogical courses in accordance with the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions’ recommendations, no later than two years after starting your employment as an Assistant Professor (unless you can certify that you have completed equivalent training before starting the position).  Assessment criteria Candidates will be evaluated based on both scientific and pedagogical qualifications, with greater emphasis placed on scientific excellence. The full set of assessment criteria is outlined in the instructions regarding the Appointment Procedure for Teachers at KI. Particularly meritorious is: the scientific quality, originality, and feasibility of your research plan within the relevant subject area documented experience in research environments outside KI, with special consideration given to international research experience supervision experience (first, second and third-cycle education) documented success in obtaining research grants in national or international competition experience of and interest in performing translational research bridging basic science with clinical relevance and application experience in using disease-specific biobanks or using human specimens in combination with clinical data These criteria reflect our commitment to fostering university with diverse and globally recognised researchers who contribute to high quality science and excellent academic citizenship. The criteria listed will form part of the overall assessment of the applicant. All

Join a global community of excellence Are you a bold, creative researcher ready to shape the future of medical science? Karolinska Institutet (KI), one of the world’s foremost medical universities, is launching a major recruitment initiative in 2026. KI is seeking up to 21 outstanding early- career researchers to join us as Assistant Professors in a wide range of subject areas. At KI, we foster a vibrant and international academic environment that values curiosity, collaboration, innovation, and high-quality research. We are looking for inspiring scientists who are motivated to contribute to and further develop strong research and education environment, and who demonstrate high quality science and potential for academic leadership. ​​​Join a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment at the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet. Our department conducts research and teaching within immunology, infection biology, microbiology/bacteriology, cell and tumor biology (learn more about MTC here). We offer a unique opportunity to develop your independent research program in a multi-disciplinary and collaborative setting with access to cutting-edge infrastructure and world-leading expertise. At MTC, we value scientific excellence, innovation, and collegiality. Come shape the future of microbiology/bacteriology research with us.  What do we offer? If you meet our requirements and propose a groundbreaking research project, we are prepared to employ you as an Assistant Professor for six years and support you with a generous funding package of 12MSEK to cover your salary and other research costs. KI offers the opportunity to be promoted from a time-limited (six-year) position as Assistant Professor to permanent employment as Senior Lecturer. You can read more about it here. At KI, you will be part of an interdisciplinary research community. Our researchers work across a wide range of fields and methodologies within medicine and health, creating rich opportunities for knowledge exchange and cross-disciplinary collaboration. You will also benefit from close connections with healthcare providers, ensuring your research remains closely aligned with real-world clinical practice. As a governmental authority, KI offers a comprehensive benefits package governed by collective agreements. These include annual salary reviews, supplementary insurance, and opportunities to participate in institutional decision-making. A successful research career is supported by a strong personal foundation. Sweden is known for being a family-friendly country, offering a high quality of life, generous parental leave, and excellent childcare and education systems — creating a welcoming environment for both researchers and their families. At KI, we value differences in backgrounds and perspectives, and diversity, equity and inclusion are parts of our core values. KI is dedicated to our work for equal opportunities and rejects all forms of discrimination. Learn more about what KI and Sweden can offer, and the different calls! Location: Solna Description of the subject area  Basic and clinical microbiology have historically been very strong research areas at KI, with extensive research covering bacteria, parasites, and viruses. This research aims to provide both fundamental and clinical understanding of how pathogenic microorganisms are regulated and how they interact with their host, as well as insight into how the microbiota interacts with host organisms and the importance of the microbiota for the host’s health. This knowledge can be used to prevent and combat both old and emerging infectious threats, such as the acute situation of escalating antibiotic resistance and new highly virulent microbes for which vaccines and/or treatments are lacking, but also to understand how microbes can protect against and drive the development of non-communicable diseases.​  Your mission  This Assistant Professor position offers excellent opportunities to build a strong academic profile—primarily by developing your independence as a researcher, while also gaining valuable teaching and pedagogical experience. ​​​You are expected to build and lead an independent research group in the field of microbiology, especially bacteriology. You will actively apply for external research funding to support your group’s activities and scientific development. As part of your academic responsibilities, you will supervise doctoral students and contribute to the training of postdoctoral researchers. You will be an integral part of the department, participating in and contributing to the development of departmental activities, including seminars, strategic initiatives, and collaborative projects. You are also expected to foster collaborations within and beyond the department. In addition, you will participate in educational activities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, helping to shape the next generation of scientists.  Eligibility requirements  To be eligible for an appointment as Assistant Professor, you must demonstrate good scientific skills according to KI’s eligibility criteria as follows: A PhD (or equivalent degree) in a relevant subject area At least two peer-reviewed original scientific publications as first or last author, in addition to the doctoral thesis Priority is given to those who were awarded a PhD (or attained equivalent competence) no more than seven years prior to the expiry of the deadline for the application. Those who have been awarded a doctoral degree or attained equivalent research competence earlier will also be considered if there are special circumstances for absence from research (deductible time), such as: parental leave, long-term illness, positions of trust in trade union organizations or mandatory service in total defence. The circumstances, dates and extent must be clearly specified in the application and verified by relevant documentation. For this call, exceptions are made from all pedagogical requirements specified in the instructions regarding the Appointment procedure for teachers at KI. However, you must complete three weeks of higher education pedagogical courses in accordance with the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions’ recommendations, no later than two years after starting your employment as an Assistant Professor (unless you can certify that you have completed equivalent training before starting the position).  Assessment criteria Candidates will be evaluated based on both scientific and pedagogical qualifications, with greater emphasis placed on scientific excellence. The full set of assessment criteria is outlined in the instructions regarding the Appointment Procedure for Teachers at KI. Particularly meritorious is: The scientific quality, originality, and feasibility of your research plan within the relevant subject area Documented experience in research environments outside KI, with special consideration given to international research experience Proven ability to attract competitive research funding Experience in interdisciplinary research environments Engagement in novel and forward-looking research directions A broad and versatile experimental skill set