Doctoral (PhD) student position in Neuroimmunology with focus on the epidemiology of Myasthenia Gravis - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

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

Myasthenia gravis is a potentially life-threatening disease that affects muscle function. The underlying causes of the disease are largely unknown, and treatment regimens are largely based on empiric evidence. We are therefore conducting several national epidemiological and clinical studies, to better characterize the natural disease course and response to treatment. Within our research group, led by Professor Fredrik Piehl, you get a unique opportunity to work with pioneering researchers at the intersection of epidemiology, genetics, and clinical neurology. We offer an engaging and international research environment where you can contribute to high-quality research at an internationally competitive level.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The student will be involved in a project investigating different aspects of how Myasthenia gravis manifests, the natural disease course and response to treatment. The project includes epidemiological analysis and integration of existing data from the Swedish MG register, epidemiological data from the national risk factor study GEMG (Genes and Environment in MG) and linked data from national demographic and health registers. As a doctoral student, you will carry out several different types of epidemiological analyzes as well as pharmacoepidemiological studies. The overall goal of the research project is to better characterize the disease through registry studies and also identify effective treatment methods

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 someone with an undergraduate education in a relevant field, experience in handling large datasets, excellent collaborative ability and a strong interest in research. The project is largely based on advanced statistical analyses of large clinical cohorts, and independent programming skills are thus necessary.

Absolute requirements

• Master's degree in a relevant field such as epidemiology, statistics or medicine.      
• Documented experience of handling complex data.   
• Independent advanced data analysis ability with solid experience of R, SAS and/ or SPSS.
• Documented good ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.         
• Previous experience of conducting epidemiological research.
• Documented interest in research.
• Good collaborative and communicative skills.
• Ability to work independently and systematically.      

Preferred requirements
The applicant should have a strong analytical ability, good problem-solving skills and be able to work independently. Previous research experience in epidemiology and clinical neurology is an advantage. We emphasize good social and collaborative skills as well as personal suitability.

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.

Read more about the Department of Clinical Neuroscience 
Read more about the research group you will be part of 

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