PhD in geriatric epidemiology

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 selected candidate will be based at the Aging Research Center (ARC), within the research group “EcoMind and biological pathways in cognitive aging”, led by Associate Professor Debora Rizzuto. Our multidisciplinary research explores how environmental exposures—such as air pollution, noise, and access to green space—affect cognitive function and mental health across the aging spectrum. A key area of focus is the investigation of biological mechanisms that mediate the relationship between environmental stressors and cognitive decline, including the onset of dementia. By integrating epidemiological data with biomarker analyses, our work aims to uncover the complex interplay between environmental exposures and brain aging, contributing to a deeper understanding of modifiable risk factors for dementia.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The overarching objective of this doctoral project is to investigate the association between exposure to particulate matter (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and environmental noise (road, railway, aircraft) and the risk of dementia, using rich data from the National E-infrastructure for Aging Research (NEAR), encompassing several population-based longitudinal cohorts in Sweden.These cohorts provide access to extensive clinical, environmental, lifestyle, and biomarker data, enabling a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of modifiable environmental risk factors.

The selected candidate will conduct independent research in close collaboration with supervisors and the broader research group. Duties include harmonizing and managing large datasets, performing geospatial exposure assessments, and applying advanced statistical models to assess risk associations and potential causal pathways. The doctoral student will also examine moderators (e.g., psychosocial resilience, genetic susceptibility) and mediators (e.g., cardiovascular health, inflammation) to unravel mechanisms underlying the environmental-dementia link.

The student is expected to contribute to the development of specific research questions, conduct high-quality data analyses, and actively participate in the dissemination of results through publications and scientific presentations. The student will take part in doctoral courses and scientific activities at ARC and Karolinska Institutet, and is encouraged to engage with international collaborators in environmental and aging research.

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 motivated and curious doctoral candidate with a strong interest in environmental epidemiology, cognitive aging, and public health. The ideal candidate should thrive in a multidisciplinary research environment, demonstrate independence, initiative, and problem-solving ability, and possess excellent organizational and communication skills.

The following skills and personal qualities are required:

• A master’s degree in epidemiology, public health, environmental sciences, or biostatistics.
•  Solid knowledge of epidemiological and statistical methods, including handling of large-scale population data.
• Proven experience with statistical software (e.g., R, Stata).
• Demonstrated ability to work with longitudinal data.
• Strong interest in aging, dementia, and environmental risk factors.
•  Excellent written and spoken English.

The following skills and experiences are considered advantageous:

• Experience in geospatial data analysis or environmental exposure modeling.
• Familiarity with dementia diagnosis criteria and/or geriatric epidemiology.
• Previous experience in harmonizing data across multiple cohorts.
•  Evidence of scientific writing and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
•  Experience working or studying in an international research environment.

We value individuals who are proactive, collaborative, and eager to develop both methodologically and scientifically during their doctoral training.

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.

• Information about NVS
• Information about ARC

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