Postdoctoral Studies in Single-Cell and Computational Biology (Scholarship) at Karolinska Institutet – Sweden

Summary

A postdoctoral scholarship position is offered in the Department of Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, within the Neurobiology of Pain & Therapeutics group. The role focuses on computational analysis of single‑cell RNA, ATAC‑seq and spatial transcriptomics data to investigate chronic pain and headache disorders. The candidate will conduct bioinformatics analyses, develop tools, manage data, and contribute to manuscripts and grant writing while collaborating with PhD students, postdocs and international partners. The position is funded by a tax‑free scholarship, initially for twelve months and renewable up to two years. Applicants must hold a doctorate, have strong bioinformatics and programming skills, and be fluent in English. Application materials include a CV, publication list, work summary, letter of intent and referee contacts.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Neuroscience
Position Type	Postdoctoral
Discipline	Computational Biology
Research Area	Molecular mechanisms of chronic pain and headache disorders
Degree Required	Doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent)
Salary	Tax‑free scholarship, amount not specified
Funding	Scholarship
Language	English

About the Project

The project aims to map the molecular landscape of chronic pain and headache disorders by integrating single‑cell RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq and spatial transcriptomics data from experimental models and patient‑derived samples. By applying advanced computational methods, the team will identify cellular pathways and regulatory mechanisms that drive persistent pain, providing insights for future therapeutic strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform bioinformatics analyses of single‑cell RNA, ATAC‑seq and spatial transcriptomics data
• Conduct data quality control, management and archival storage
• Develop code and novel computational tools for large‑scale data analysis
• Support ongoing research activities and contribute to manuscript and grant writing
• Prepare presentations for scientific meetings
• Help shape and maintain the group’s computational infrastructure
• Collaborate with PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and international partners
• Communicate research findings to specialized and general audiences

Required Skills

• Strong background in bioinformatics, statistics and computational biology
• Expertise in statistical and bioinformatics software
• Proficiency in programming languages such as R and Python
• Experience with single‑cell and spatial transcriptomics data analysis
• Ability to develop code and computational tools
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Solid knowledge of molecular and cell biology
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Who Should Apply

Researchers who have completed a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in computational biology, bioinformatics, or a biomedical field with a strong computational focus, possess solid programming skills (R, Python), and are motivated to work independently in a multidisciplinary pain‑research environment. Candidates must be fluent in English and able to collaborate with international partners.

Benefits

• Creative and inspiring research environment
• Access to modern gym facilities with trained staff
• Opportunities to collaborate with a wide range of scientific specialties
• Exposure to cutting‑edge medical research at a leading university
• Interaction with healthcare providers and clinicians

About the Employer

Karolinska Institutet is described as one of the world’s leading medical universities, conducting innovative medical research and offering extensive biomedical education in Sweden. The institute emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, close ties with healthcare providers, and provides modern facilities such as the Biomedicum campus in Solna.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum duration of the scholarship?

The scholarship can be granted for up to two years, with an initial period of twelve months.

Are there language requirements for the application?

All application documents must be in English and the candidate must be fluent in spoken and written English.

What documents must be submitted?

A CV, list of publications, a one‑page summary of current work, a letter of intent, and the names and emails of two referees.