The Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) conducts world leading research in aging, dementia, epidemiology and care sciences. This research extends from basic molecular and cell levels to clinical research and societal studies. NVS educates almost a third of KI students at basic and advanced levels. The Department has approximately 540 employees and a revenue 2023 of 530 million SEK. It comprises seven divisions, located at Campus Flemingsberg and Campus Solna.

Avdelningen för omvårdnad vid Institutionen NVS är lokaliserad på campus Flemingsberg och har ett 100-tal anställda lärare, doktorander, postdoktorer samt administrativ personal. Avdelningen för omvårdnad bedriver utveckling av kunskap inom utbildning och forskning som verkar för en bättre hälsa för alla. Huvudområdet omvårdnad utgår från en humanistisk värdegrund och etik för vårdande och tar sin utgångspunkt i människans upplevelser, reaktioner och behov i sin livssituation. Avdelningen ansvarar för merparten av kurserna för specialist- och sjuksköterskeprogrammen som ges vid KI samt erbjuder ett brett urval av fristående - och valbara kurser.

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 doctoral student will be part of Susanne Andermo's research group, Health Promotion among Children and Youth at the Division of Nursing, NVS, KI, in collaboration with a research group at the Department of Global Public Health (GPH). The group and its collaborators consist of experienced researchers with different backgrounds, conducting research in nursing, child and youth health, health promotion, and illness prevention. The research group has regular meetings, and there are also monthly research seminars at the Division of Nursing and GPH, where PhD students present their work.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The PhD student will work with the project: "PACE- Physical activity Adaptation and ContExtual Implementation of School-Based Interventions for Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Conditions ". Adolescents with special support needs, such as those with neurodevelopmental conditions, often face mental health challenges and academic difficulties. Physical activity benefits these adolescents; however, many do not meet the recommended activity levels. The overall aim is to explore and evaluate how school-based physical activity interventions can be contextually adapted and implemented to improve mental health and participation in such interventions among adolescents with neurodevelopmental conditions. The project includes the following studies:

  • A systematic review on how to adapt and implement school-based health-promoting interventions for adolescents with neurodevelopmental conditions.
  • A study with school health professionals focusing on perceived needs and adaptations in school environments.
  • An effect evaluation of physical activity on mental health among adolescents with neurodevelopmental conditions.
  • A process evaluation in special support schools exploring the implementation of an adapted health-promoting intervention.

As a PhD student, you will be involved in developing the intervention, collecting and analysing both qualitative and quantitative data, writing scientific articles, and presenting the results.

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 should have:

  • Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Very good proficiency in Swedish, both written and spoken.

It is furthermore a merit if you have:

  • Good communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work with colleagues both within and outside of academia.
  • An interest in teaching and in contributing to nursing education.
  • Previous experience in intervention and implementation research and/or professional experience working with children and adolescents in school settings.
  • A strong interest in research on physical activity and health-promoting initiatives for children and adolescents with special support needs.

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.

Susanne Andemons research group

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

Type of employment PhD placement
Contract type Full time
First day of employment According to the agreement
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100
City Stockholm
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number STÖD 2-4810/2025
Contact
  • Susanne Andermo, susanne.andermo@ki.se
Union representative
  • Taher Darreh-Shori, SACO, taher.darreh-shori@ki.se
  • Carina Eklund, OFR, 08-58582665
  • Henry Wölling, SEKO, henry.wolling@ki.se
Published 19.Dec.2025
Last application date 23.Jan.2026
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