Department of Global Public Health

The Department of Global Public Health conducts research, teaching and applied work based on public health sciences and epidemiology. The department has 9 research groups, approximately 80 research students and 140 employees. At the department we carry out public health research projects with the aim to understand the determinants of health and developing and evaluating public health interventions. Our researchers are involved in translating research results into health policies and public health practices, in high – middle – and low- income settings. The department is also responsible for several postgraduate programs at Karolinska Institutet as well as undergraduate and doctoral educations in global health, public health sciences, public health epidemiology and social medicine.

Do you want to contribute to better health for all?

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 research at the department is conducted in areas such as global health, public health epidemiology and social medicine. This position focuses on global health, with a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in low- and middle-income contexts and based within the Global and Sexual Health research group (GloSH). We work interdisciplinary with a focus on various aspects of SRHR such as adolescent health, prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, contraceptives, unsafe abortions, gender equality, gender-based violence, health economics and e-health. Our researchers have broad experience in both qualitative and quantitative study design and implementation in low-income contexts.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral student will be admitted to the Research School in Health Sciences (FiH).

The doctoral project consists of two parts: 1) analysis of longitudinal quantitative data from a survey study with young people aged 13-24 living with/without HIV in South Africa, combined with analysis of qualitative data from in depth interviews with young people; and 2) evaluation of an intervention to prevent gender-based violence during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the studies is to understand how a public health crises such as COVID-19 affects the risk of gender-based violence among young people living with and without HIV in South Africa, and to explore effective strategies for optimizing violence prevention and support for young people during and after the pandemic. The doctoral student´s task is to conduct the studies together with the supervisor. The project is an international collaborative project, which means close contacts with local collaboration partners, study participants, stakeholders, and researchers both in South Africa, in Sweden and globally. The doctoral student is expected to spend longer periods of time in South Africa to participate in the study data collection and intervention implementation, provided that it is possible in light of the pandemic.

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:

  1. have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or
  2. 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
  3. 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

We are looking for a doctoral candidate who have special interest and experience in areas related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender-based violence, project management, and interventions to promote SRHR in low- and middle-income contexts, especially among young people. Furthermore, the doctoral candidate should have a master’s degree in public health, and a strong commitment to SRHR in a global perspective, including issues relating to young people’s health, gender, and gender equality. Special emphasis is placed on good collaboration skills, responsibility, and capacity to take initiative. The working environment demands a high level of independence and therefore experience of leading projects in low- and middle-income countries with significant experience in-country is meritorious. Previous experience of evaluation work for international organizations, particularly in evaluation of gender-based violence and/or HIV prevention interventions, is also a merit. Former experience of qualitative analysis, implementation of randomized controlled trials and writing scientific texts are desirable. The applicant should be fluent in English (written and spoken).

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.

Department of Global Public Health

Global and Sexual Health (GloSH)

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

Type of employment PhD placement
Contract type Full-time/Part-time
First day of employment According to agreement
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 50-100%
City Solna
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number STÖD 2-1805/2021
Contact
  • Anna Nielsen, anna.nielsen.1@ki.se
Union representative
  • Henry Wölling, SEKO, henry.wolling@ki.se
  • Magnus Anå, OFR, 08-524 864 37, magnus.ana@ki.se
  • Saco styrelse, saco@ki.se
Published 13.Apr.2021
Last application date 04.May.2021 11:59 PM CEST

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