Doctoral (PhD) position in neuroepidemiology - 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

We are looking for a doctoral student to join our research group at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, where we perform research on aging and age-related diseases using a variety of epidemiological and molecular epidemiological methods. The research group of aging epidemiology is involved in a wide variety of research projects, including molecular and genetic epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, as well as twin and family studies. The group contains about 20 people - from professor to PhD- and master students - with six different PI´s collaborating on many research topics within aging. Research interests are biological aging, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, polypharmacy in the old and many more.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The aim of this doctoral project is to increase understanding of the etiology of PD focusing on the role of the gut-brain axis. Using cutting-edge conventional, genetic, and molecular epidemiological designs, we will investigate an array of factors linked to the gut-brain axis, including gastrointestinal conditions, microbiome, and dietary patterns. Through methods that aid causal inference (including Mendelian randomization and family-based designs), we will not only be able to establish risk factors for PD, but also to investigate whether these are causally related to PD. Resources will combine samples from the entire Swedish population, large population-based Swedish cohorts with histopathological reports, biospecimen samples, as well as very large PD case control datasets with genetic information.

Your role includes participating in all parts of the doctoral project; perform literature searches, plan studies, manage data, perform statistical analyses, and write manuscripts. You will also participate in relevant courses, seminars, and present your results at international conferences. You will have strong support from a group of supervisors with expertise in conventional and molecular epidemiology, neurology, and gastroenterology.

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.

1. 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

You should have a master in epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, or a related discipline.

You should have a strong interest in neurological diseases.

You should have at least some experience from data management and analyses. Skills in software programs, such as R, SAS or STATA, are meritorious.

Experience from epidemiological or molecular epidemiological research is meritorious, as well as experience in scientific writing.

You should be fluent in written and spoken English.

You should be highly motivated and have high analytical and writing skills. You should be able to work independently, but also to collaborate well with others.

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.

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