Doctoral (PhD) student position in Psychology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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

We are currently looking for a doctoral student who will be working on several research projects in a research group lead by Richard Bränström with a focus on inequalities in health and minority stress with a special focus on health among LGBTQ individuals. The position involves participation in, planning, and conducting research studies that aim to identify risk factors and mechanisms of poor health in minority groups based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The position provides an excellent opportunity for training in research methods applied in psychology, behavioral medicine, social epidemiology, and public health. The position offers an excellent opportunity for transition to career independence and an engaging and international research environment where you will be able to contribute to internationally leading research.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

Research has found that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals represent a disproportionately high-risk population for poor mental health, some physical health concerns, and other indicators of poor life satisfaction. These differences have mainly been explained by theories of minority stress, that describes the increased exposure to social stress that sexual minorities are experiencing compared to heterosexuals due to their stigmatized sexual orientation, and that lead to reduced social safety, greater risk of victimization and discrimination, expectations of being rejected and subsequent – risk of poor health. But knowledge about the biopsychosocial mechanisms through which exposure for social stress leads to increased risk of poor health are currently mostly unknown.

The project entails analyses of three large longitudinal population-based cohort studies with information from representative samples from the population in Sweden. The cohort studies include information about: (a) health, treatments, and self-reported symptoms; (b) experiences and social stress experiences during childhood and across the life-course; (c) emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions to stress; and (d) biological measures of stress in the form of information about low-grad chronically elevated inflammation. The project will answer questions that are central to understanding the emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and biological mechanism that can explain how exposure to social stress can lead to increased risk of poor health.

The doctoral student will be based at the Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet. The doctoral student will work with management of data collections, databases, data analysis, literature searches, statistical analyses, and manuscript preparations. The successful candidate will be a part of a productive and dynamic research environment and work closely with the study team to:

• Plan and conduct data collection in the form of population surveys.
• Assist in project coordination tasks, including managing databases and overseeing participant retention efforts.
• Conduct literature searches and summarize findings.
• Conduct advanced statistical analyses.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Present research findings at international scientific conferences.
• Participate in research educational courses.

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

The applicant will have a solid interest and understanding of health from a population perspective, and how life circumstances, social and psychological factors can influence health and wellbeing. Knowledge about basic theories and constructs in public health, health psychology, preventive medicine, and determinants of health at a population level is a requirement. The applicant must have very good analytical skills and good competence in communicating in English both in speaking and writing. The applicant also needs to have fundamental knowledge of statistical methods.

Good ability to collaborate and communicate both verbally and through writing is required. Skills in managing the Office package programs and at least one of the following statistical programs: SPSS, SAS, R, or STATA is a requirement. 

A medical degree is regarded as a merit. Also, previous experience of research work and publications in the fields of medicine, psychology, or public health is a merit.

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 here
Read more about the Research Group here 

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