PhD Position: Development and evaluation of AI-based support for physical activity after stroke

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

The position is affiliated with David Moulaee’s research group (REACH), which focuses on the development and evaluation of digital services for treatment and prevention within physiotherapy. Research in the group centers on lifestyle interventions, such as promoting physical activity, with a particular focus on individuals living with neurological diseases or injuries.

The group has extensive experience in developing clinical interventions in collaboration with end users and evaluating them through randomized controlled trials. Areas of particular focus include digital interventions to promote physical activity among individuals who have experienced stroke. Within the research group, the PhD student will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, interact, and collaborate with other PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior and senior researchers. The interdisciplinary project team consists of researchers and clinicians with expertise in various fields and from multiple professions. The PhD student will be based at the Division of Physiotherapy, NVS, in Flemingsberg.

The PhD student will also have the opportunity to participate in seminars focusing on digital treatments in Brjánn Ljótsson’s research group at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet. This provides a diverse research environment that enables the development of both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, as well as networking with researchers and fellow PhD students.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The PhD project will be conducted at Karolinska Institutet in collaboration between the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) and the Department of Clinical Neuroscience. The project and supervisory team consists of researchers with expertise in physiotherapy, digital health care, and artificial intelligence (AI).

The project builds on previous research within the group on digital interventions to promote physical activity among individuals who have experienced stroke. The aim of the PhD project is to develop an AI-based self-management support system for physical activity after stroke, which will be carried out in three sub-studies:

1. An interview study to increase understanding of preferences and barriers related to AI-based support from the perspectives of individuals who have experienced stroke and physiotherapists;
2. Development of an AI-based self-management support system through a co-creation process involving individuals who have experienced stroke, physiotherapists, and experts in digital health;
3. Evaluation of the feasibility of the AI-based support in a randomized controlled trial.

By combining qualitative and quantitative methods, and close collaboration with-end-users, the project will generate new knowledge about the use, effects, and value of AI-based support for self-management of physical activity. The project has the potential to contribute to more person-centered, accessible, and cost-effective secondary stroke prevention, as well as to strengthen individuals’ long-term capacity for physical activity.

The PhD student will work with both qualitative and quantitative research methods throughout different phases of the project, including study planning, interviews, data management, analysis, and scientific writing. The project offers an interdisciplinary research environment with access to national and international collaborations.

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 seeking an ambitious, structured, analytical, and creative person with a strong interest in how AI can be developed to improve health-promoting interventions in society, particularly for people who have experienced stroke. You enjoy working with a range of research methods—from qualitative studies and co-production processes to clinical trials—and want to contribute to the development of AI-based solutions within physiotherapy. You have the ability and interest to analyse needs and solutions from patient and professional perspectives, as well as from organisational perspectives within the healthcare system.

Requirements

• A background in clinical work within healthcare, preferably as a physiotherapist.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both Swedish and English. This is required as the project involves communicating with and interviewing research participants, analyzing text materials in Swedish and English, and writing, presenting, and publishing scientific work.
• Strong collaborative skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team, while also taking initiative and developing independence in the research role.

Merits

• Professional experience in rehabilitation and/or knowledge in neurology and stroke.
• Experience in digital health or eHealth projects, for example working with digital treatment programs, self-management apps, or implementation of digital tools in healthcare.
• Technical curiosity and interest in learning new digital tools, including experience with AI tools and large language models.
• Experience in behavior change interventions, such as health promotion counseling, motivational interviewing, behavioral medicine interventions, or similar approaches.

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.

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