Doctoral Position to the Unit of Integrative Epidemiology

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 Unit of Integrative Epidemiology at the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM)

Our research unit focuses on understanding the causes and consequences of diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, and cancer. We use epidemiological methods and integrate data from large population studies with advanced statistical and biological analyses. The goal is to identify risk factors and mechanisms that contribute to these diseases. By, among other things, combining epidemiological data with laboratory analyses, we strive to gain a deeper understanding of disease development and possible preventive measures.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral project aims to analyze the use of computed tomography (CT) for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the Stockholm Region, as well as to study the long-term outcomes for these patients. By using machine learning and natural language processing (NLP), the project will categorize and analyze text data from approximately 1.5 million CT scans of the head performed in the Stockholm Region. The goal is to identify how many of these scans were performed due to TBI and to assess the proportion with positive findings. An additional goal of the project is to study the long-term consequences of traumatic brain injury, including the risk of depression and dementia, based on the results from the categorization of radiological data.

As a doctoral student, you will, under supervision , be responsible for managing and categorizing data using machine learning, linking these data to various research registers, and analyzing both the use of CT and the potential under- or overuse of CT in TBI, as well as the risks for different long term outcomes. You will also compile the research results and present them in scientific articles.

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

As a person, you are curious, methodical, and meticulous, and you find it easy to work both independently and in a team. In addition to the formal requirements for employment as a doctoral student, you have an undergraduate degree in health professions and at least a master's degree in health informatics. You have good knowledge of both English and Swedish, and your previous experiences include programming in Python, working with large language models on Swedish medical records, and preferably, you have both previous research experience and experience working with large amounts of radiological text data.

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.

Unit of integrative epidemiology

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