Postdoctoral studies in microglial contributions to autism spectrum disorders (scholarship)
Karolinska Institutet · Deadline 2026-10-29
Karolinska Institutet offers a **postdoctoral scholarship** in the lab of Bertrand Joseph at the Institute of Environmental Medicine. The funding is tax-free, awarded for twelve months at a time, and can be granted for up to two years. The research focuses on how genetic alterations and prenatal immune challenges linked to autism spectrum disorders affect distinct microglial populations, neuronal maturation, neural circuit development, and behaviour. The researcher will investigate these mechanisms by combining complementary human in vitro stem cell-derived systems and in vivo mouse models, paying specific attention to brain region, developmental stage, and sex-specific differences. Applicants must hold a **doctorate or equivalent foreign degree** awarded within the last four years, or complete all degree requirements prior to starting. Because the scholarship aims to promote internationalisation, it is **reserved for foreign researchers** residing outside Sweden who plan to come only for this qualification; individuals who reside in Sweden or completed any academic education at a Swedish institution are ineligible. Candidates must have a strong background in microglial biology, neurodevelopment, or neurodevelopmental disorders, documented molecular and cellular research experience, and English proficiency. Experience with human iPSC models, co-cultures, flow cytometry, advanced imaging, animal models, or bioinformatics is advantageous.
Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?
Join our internationally recognized research team to investigate how microglia shape brain development and contribute to autism spectrum disorders. You will work in a collaborative environment combining expertise in microglial biology, molecular signalling and neurodevelopment, with access to human stem cell-derived models, and complementary animal models. At the Institute for Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet, you will have opportunities to develop your scientific independence, strengthen your experimental and analytical skills, and collaborate with national and international partners.
Division
A postdoctoral scholarship is available in the lab of Bertrand Joseph at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet.
The Joseph lab is internationally recognized in field of microglia for its research focusing on understanding how microglia contribute to the healthy and diseased brain. Highlights from the team include the discovery of a role for killer caspases in driving pro-inflammatory and tumour-supportive microglial phenotypes and a contribution to the understanding of the transcriptional/epigenetic regulation of microglial activation states and the possibility to reprogram microglia toward distinct phenotypes. Lately, the team has been arguing for the concept of microglia diversity, i.e., the existence of microglial subtypes.
Duties
The project will be centred on the hypothesis that genetic alterations and prenatal immune challenges associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) disrupt the identity and function of distinct microglial populations, thereby affecting neuronal maturation, neural circuit development and behaviour. The successful candidate will investigate these mechanisms using complementary human in vitro systems and in vivo mouse models, with particular attention to developmental stage, brain region and sex-specific differences.
We seek a curious, highly motivated and creative postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in microglial biology, neurodevelopment and/or neurodevelopmental disorders. The ideal candidate should have documented experience in molecular and cellular research. Experience with human iPSC-derived models, microglia–neuron co-cultures, flow cytometry, advanced imaging or animal models of neurodevelopmental disorders is considered an advantage. Expertise in bioinformatics is also a strength. The candidate should be able to work independently and in a structured manner, while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment. Excellent interpersonal skills and proficiency in written and spoken English are required. Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability and the ability to work well within the research group.
Entry requirements
Postdoctoral scholarships may be established for foreign researchers who pursue their merit in Sweden. A foreign researcher is a person living in another country who comes to Sweden with the intention of only staying in Sweden for all or part of their postdoctoral education at KI. Persons who are resident in Sweden and/or have carried out all or part of their academic education at KI or some other educational institution in Sweden cannot be considered for scholarships. The purpose of scholarships for postdoctoral qualification is to promote internationalization and contribute to research qualification after a doctorate or equivalent.
A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four-year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent.
To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a doctorate, or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) start date of the post-doctoral education.
What do we offer?
A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Here, we conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical 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. Students and employees have free access to our modern gym facilities with trained staff on site.
Location:
Type of scholarship
The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.
Application process
An application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:
- A complete curriculum vitae, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
- A complete list of publications
- A summary of current work (no more than one page)
The application is to be submitted on the Varbi recruitment system.
Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all
Jobbfakta
Fält – Värde
First day of employment – According to agreement
Salary – Scholarship
Reference number – STÖD 2-4130/2026
Contact – Bertrand Joseph, Professor, +46852487945, bertrand.joseph@ki.se
Union representative – Anda Gliga, SACO-S, anda.gliga@ki.se; Bodil Moberg , OFR/ST, bodil.moberg@ki.se; Robert Lindberg, SEKO, Robert.G.Lindberg@seko.se
Published – 08.Oct.2026
Last application date – 29.Oct.2026