Doctoral (PhD) student position in Research School in Health Science: early-onset mental health disorders and adverse outcomes in working life - 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

At Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, we study different aspects of sickness absence, health, work and living conditions. Sickness absence affects individuals, health care, insurance organizations, employers, and society. In Pia Svedberg’s research group, the focus is to study risk factors for and consequences of being sickness absent, also accounting for the role of family-related factors.

We offer a stimulating scientific environment and a possibility to collaborate with other PhD students and researchers at the division as well as in Sweden and abroad. The PhD student will be a part of the doctoral group at the Division and will be provided with workspace, efficient IT tools, and unique data, as well as continuous support and encouragement from the supervisors and other colleagues including doctoral students, senior researchers, statisticians, and administrator.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The PhD student will be admitted to Research School in Health Science at Karolinska Institutet.

The goal of the doctoral project is to generate knowledge about early onset mental health disorders and adverse outcomes in adult working life in terms of sick leave and NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). The project also aims to investigate the role of family-related factors in the studied associations. The studies in the project build on the data from previous surveys conducted by the Swedish Twin Registry as well as data from several nationwide registers.

In addition to attending doctoral courses within the Research School in Health Science, the doctoral student will carry out four different sub-studies, and present them in a compilation thesis. The doctoral student will work with data management, statistical analyses, interpretation of results as well as preparation of scientific papers. The doctoral education also includes presentation of the study results at national and international scientific conferences as well as a possibility to participate in research grant writing.

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 looking for a motivated candidate with deep interest in the research area and with a degree in public health, epidemiology, psychology, medicine, behavioural sciences, sociology or statistics. A proven ability to perform statistical analysis independently is particularly meritorious.  Priority will be given to applicants with experience of working with large databases, survey and register data as well as previous work with mental health and twin studies.

Excellent English skills (both in speaking and writing) is a requirement. Good communication skills in Swedish are highly meriting. The successful applicant should demonstrate high degree of responsibility, independency, meticulous and have good problem solving skills. Collaborative ability, communication and project management skills are important.

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 Division of Insurance Medicine and the research group here 
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