Doctoral position in analysis of adolescents' exposure to food marketing and associated obesity/related lifestyle habits - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Biosciences and Nutrition performs research and education in several areas of medical sciences including cancer biology, aging, molecular endocrinology, functional genomics, systems biology, structural biology, protein biochemistry, immunology, and nutrition. It offers an excellent international research and working environment, including around 200 scientists, students, administrative and technical personnel. The Department resides in Neo at Campus Flemingsberg, a biomedical research building, aimed at being a creative and open environment that enables meetings, synergies, and exploration of areas of mutual interest across disciplines

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

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

We are looking for a PhD student n nutrition and technology-assisted behavioral measurements to work within the IMPACT research group (Innovative use of Mobile Phones to promote physical ACTivity and nutrition across the life span) that is led by Professor Marie Löf. The PhD project will be realized within the Work Unit of Researcher Ioannis Ioakeimidis which has a wide research interest, spanning from clinical studies to real world data analytics, focusing on the use of novel technologies to monitor health-related behaviors and support behavioral change. The PhD project will focus on the Unit's obesity/related research with adolescents' behaviors and living environment, in association with school life and environment. This will combine tasks within the domains of eHealth/technology-assisted research, real-world behavioral and ecological studies, as well as qualitative research activities.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

This PhD project aims to investigate children's exposure to unhealthy food marketing, including physical and digital food advertising. Furthermore, it will investigate associations between exposure to food advertising, intake of unhealthy foods during and after school hours, school lunch skipping and other health-related adolescents' behaviours. In the long term, the project aims to identify possible intervention strategies aiming at facilitating healthier eating habits for adolescents, related with school-life and beyond. Specifically, the project will have two methodological approaches. Initially, the quantitative component of the project will include objective behavioural data collection through purpose-built smartphone apps and other related wearable sensors. The parallel qualitative component of the project will entail the description of students' and teacher attitudes and opinions about the effects of food marketing on adolescents' lifestyle, as well as about potential solutions to such social challenges. 

The successful PhD applicant will be involved in real-world, school-based studies towards these goals. The planned effort includes iterative methodological evaluations, an observational behavioural monitoring study and parallel qualitative data collection. The student will be involved in all steps of the research project, i.e., planning, developing the study protocol and content, writing ethical applications, data collection and analysis, writing manuscripts and publishing the study outcomes. The planned data analysis will require development of methodological automations for data pre-processing and formatting and performance of analyses using R. Mobile app and software testing are also important tasks within this framework. Finally, the student will be involved within pedagogical responsibilities of the research group on Bachelor and Master's levels in KI.

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

For this position a solid background in nutrition or similar is required. The candidate should have strong communication skills and a proven ability to interact with Swedish school children of different ages, as well as Swedish school personnel. Fluent knowledge of English, both oral and written, is a requirement. Previous experience with quantitative and qualitative data collection within the domain of nutritional science is a requirement. Experience with such research with children and especially in school settings will be highly appreciated. Previous experience evaluating and implementing eHealth tools and platforms (e.g., smartphones, web-based portals etc.) for data collection is a strong merit. Previous work with picture analysis is also a merit, especially with regards to food type analytics. Past publications (e.g., scientific papers, public health reports, public health action plans, etc.) will be appreciated. We are looking for a student who can work independently and at the same time collaborate well with others. Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability,

Terms and conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

--[Video about Karolinska Institutet, how we all work towards "a better health for all"] -

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.

Links;
www.bionut.ki.se
https://ki.se/en/bionut/the-impact-research-group-marie-lof

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