## **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 Rydén and Mejhert Laboratory investigates how alterations in human white adipocyte function contribute to cardiometabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis. Our multidisciplinary team of postdoctoral fellows, PhD and master’s students, and technical staff conducts cutting-edge translational research. We are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a comprehensive preclinical laboratory at KI Campus Solna (Biomedicum) and a dedicated clinical research unit at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, enabling integration from basic science to clinical application.

### **The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student**

We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious PhD student to join our laboratory. The doctoral project will focus on understanding how post-transcriptional gene regulation shapes cellular identity and metabolic function in human white adipose tissue. In particular, the project aims to define how alternative polyadenylation (APA) regulates gene expression programs across adipose cell types and how these mechanisms contribute to metabolic health and disease.

Using state-of-the-art single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing datasets, the student will first develop computational approaches to quantify APA dynamics and infer cell-state trajectories based on polyadenylation site usage. This includes building analytical frameworks to model transcript isoform selection and to reconstruct cellular transitions driven by post-transcriptional regulation. Building on these approaches, the student will generate an integrated atlas of APA across human adipose tissue, identifying cell-type-specific APA events and their alterations in response to metabolic stress such as obesity and weight loss.

Based on these findings, candidate regulators of APA will be identified and functionally tested in human adipocyte models. Using genetic perturbation approaches such as siRNA-mediated knockdown or CRISPR-based gene modulation, the student will assess how specific factors influence APA dynamics and downstream metabolic processes. Readouts will include 3′ RNA sequencing to quantify polyadenylation changes, as well as functional assays measuring adipocyte differentiation, lipid accumulation, and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake.

In this way, the project integrates large-scale computational analysis of single-cell omics data with mechanistic experiments in human adipocytes to directly link RNA processing to metabolic function. The student will receive broad training in bioinformatics, single-cell data analysis, and computational pipeline development, alongside experimental approaches including human cell culture, gene perturbation techniques, and metabolic phenotyping, and will work closely with an interdisciplinary network of collaborators in systems biology and RNA biology.

### **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**


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), **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.

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

### **Skills and personal qualities**

The successful candidate should have a strong background in cellular and computational biology. Previous research experience is expected. An interest in developing and applying computational methods for the analysis of single-cell omics data will be highly valuable, as the project involves building analytical frameworks to study APA and gene regulation across human adipose tissue.

The candidate should be motivated to integrate large-scale data analysis with biological interpretation and experimental validation. Interest in RNA biology, gene regulation, and metabolic research is important, as the project aims to link post-transcriptional mechanisms to adipocyte function and cardiometabolic disease. Experience in programming (for example in R or Python) is essential, since the project involves handling and analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing datasets and developing computational pipelines.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required, along with the ability to manage complex datasets and translate findings into testable biological hypotheses. Experience or interest in experimental techniques such as human cell culture, gene perturbation (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9-mediated engineering), or RNA sequencing approaches will be an advantage, as the project includes functional validation of computational findings in human adipocytes.

We are looking for someone who can work independently while also thriving in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. Good communication skills, a proactive attitude, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary and translational research are essential.

### **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.

Mikael Rydén & Niklas Mejhert lab | Karolinska Institutet

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

Anställningsform: doktorandplats | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100 | Ort: Stockholm | Län: Stockholms län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: STÖD 2-1980/2026 | Kontakt: Anna Heinerö , Mikael Rydén , Niklas Mejhert , | Facklig företrädare: Peter Svensson, SACO , Mari Gilljam, OFR , Elizabeth Valenzuela, SEKO , | Publicerat: 2026-05-08 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2026-06-05