Karolinska Institutet (KI) launched a major 2026 recruitment initiative for up to 21 Assistant Professor positions across medicine and health. The application period ran from 1 June to 31 August 2026; applications are now closed and the multi-stage assessment process is continuing toward final decisions in January 2027.
Karolinska Institutet Assistant Professor Recruitment 2026
The 2026 strategic recruitment initiative targeted outstanding early-career researchers across a wide range of medical and health research areas. KI described the campaign as part of a long-term effort to strengthen research excellence and develop future academic leaders.
The positions were advertised through individual recruiting departments, while the Faculty Board provided a common strategic funding framework.
| Institution | Karolinska Institutet |
|---|---|
| Recruitment | Strategic Assistant Professor initiative 2026 |
| Positions | Up to 21 |
| Research scope | Medicine, health and related biomedical fields |
| Application period | 1 June–31 August 2026 |
| Current status | Closed; assessment ongoing |
Eligibility and Candidate Profile
Individual advertisements set the final subject-specific requirements, but the common recruitment framework focused on high-quality science, independence and future academic leadership.
- Applicants needed a doctoral degree and relevant postdoctoral research experience.
- The application framework required evidence of scientific independence and a strong future research programme.
- KI specifically requested two peer-reviewed original research papers as first or last author in addition to publications included in the doctoral thesis.
- Applicants whose PhD was more than seven years old and who wished to claim deductible career-interruption time had to provide supporting documentation.
- Each applicant also had to satisfy the qualifications and subject-area requirements in the relevant department’s vacancy.
Application Documents
KI required the application materials to be written in English. The common package included:
- a personal letter, maximum one page;
- the official application form, including the proposed research project;
- two scientific peer-reviewed original research publications as first or last author, in addition to doctoral-thesis publications;
- up to ten published papers and optionally one manuscript;
- PhD certificate; and
- documentation of deductible time where applicable.
Applications were submitted through the individual Varbi recruitment advertisement for each Assistant Professor position.
Employment and Strategic Funding
The programme combines employment by the recruiting department with strategic Faculty Board funding.
| Employment scope | Full-time Assistant Professor |
|---|---|
| Employment duration | Minimum 4 years and maximum 6 years; typically 6 years |
| Faculty Board contribution | SEK 1 million per year for up to 6 years |
| Maximum Faculty Board contribution | SEK 6 million |
| Department contribution | Recruiting department provides the remaining funding stated in the individual advertisement |
| Salary | Determined by the employing department |
| Use of funds | Full-time employment plus eligible research-related costs under KI rules |
The total Assistant Professor employment period at KI cannot exceed six years. Previous KI Assistant Professor employment can therefore reduce the remaining appointment and funding period.
2026–27 Recruitment Timeline
| Application period | 1 June–31 August 2026 |
|---|---|
| Assessment and digital interviews | 1 September–30 October 2026 |
| External review | November 2026 |
| On-site personal interviews | December 2026–January 2027 |
| Expected decision | January 2027 |
Selection Process
KI uses a multi-stage assessment process. Departments evaluate scientific qualifications and fit, while the strategic initiative places particular weight on high-quality research and potential for academic leadership.
The Head of Department makes the final employment decision and may also establish a reserve list. KI states that final candidates receive feedback from the department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the 21 Karolinska Assistant Professor positions still open?
No. KI states that applications are closed; the deadline was 31 August 2026.
How long are the Assistant Professor appointments?
The common framework allows employment for at least four and at most six years, typically six years.
How much strategic funding does KI provide?
The Faculty Board provides SEK 1 million per year for up to six years, with the recruiting department providing remaining funds according to the individual advertisement.
When are final decisions expected?
The published recruitment timeline places final decisions in January 2027.
Where should candidates look for new KI faculty openings?
Use KI’s official Jobs at KI and Available Positions pages for current vacancies after this strategic 2026 cycle.
Official Karolinska Institutet Sources
| Status | Closed; assessment ongoing |
|---|---|
| Positions | Up to 21 Assistant Professors |
| Application deadline | 31 August 2026 |
| Decision expected | January 2027 |
| Last verified | 4 October 2026 |
