Researchers and academic life
Karolinska Institutet employs approximately 3,000 researchers, including around 420 full professors. The university hosts more than 2,200 doctoral students. Moreover, the university has many affiliated researchers, such as clinically active researchers or visiting scholars. A large number of our researchers come from countries other than Sweden, and the working language in many research groups is English.
Photo: Liza SimonssonWhy become a researcher at KI?
Academic freedom and work-life balance are two aspects that attract many researchers and lecturers to Sweden and Karolinska Institutet. As a researcher here, you will have the right to commercialise your research, and even get support from the university in doing so. Find out more about the many benefits of working at KI.
Photo: Liza SimonssonMore than 2,700 applications for KI's 20 assistant professor positions
Karolinska Institutet's record-breaking international recruitment of 20 assistant professors focused on excellence has been a great success. With over 2,700 applications from 1,560 researchers in 89 countries, the initiative has had an impact that strengthens KI's position as one of Europe's most attractive medical universities.
Photo: Fredrik PerssonMeet our new professors
On Thursday 9 October 2025, 22 new professors were inaugurated at Karolinska Institutet in solemn forms in Aula Medica. In addition, we gave our new adjunct and visiting professors a warm welcome, and honour recipients of several academic awards. The professors' installation ceremony is one of the highlights of the academic year.
Photo: Gustav MårtenssonCareer opportunities at KI for researchers
Photo: Martin StenmarkKI establishes new endowment professorship in integrative odontology
Thanks to a generous donation from businesswoman and investment company director Louise Lindh, the Department of Dental Medicine at Karolinska Institutet is able to establish a new professorial chair. This marks an important step towards making dental health a self-evident and integral part of public health.
Photo: Andreas AnderssonAwarded for his groundbreaking discovery of natural killer (NK) cells
Rolf Kiessling’s research laid the foundation for current advances in NK cell-based cancer treatments. Now he receives a lifetime achievement award for his groundbreaking discoveries.
Photo: Martin StenmarNew titles for the hidden specialists behind KI's research
They work with highly specialised equipment for facilities that they have often built up themselves. Although not themselves researchers, their expertise, experience and international contacts render them indispensable for research at KI. A year ago, new titles were created for this important category of employee.
Photo: Liza SimonssonKI joins CoARA for the advancement of research assessment
CoARA (Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment) is led by a number of EU organizations with the aim of advancing how research is assessed in order to maximise its quality, transparency and impact. KI has now signed the agreement together with a number of other Swedish universities.
Photo: Karolinska Institutet Postdoc AssociationKarolinska Institutet Postdoc Association (KIPA)
Considering a postdoctoral position at KI? KIPA is dedicated to enriching the postdoctoral experience at KI by improving working conditions, fostering networking opportunities, and advocating for postdocs. Contact them for advice, support, and new connections.
Photo: vet ejJunior Faculty at KI
Junior Faculty is an organisation for KI researchers with a PhD but not yet a permanent academic position. Their goal is to enhance career development through engagement with KI leadership and support for junior faculty.
Photo: GettyImages.KI Research Incubator
Karolinska Institutet aims to be a pioneering university. As part of this ambition, we have established the KI Research Incubator (KIRI), an energising platform dedicated to empowering emerging researchers and to foster a culture of innovation and cross-disciplinary partnerships.