Doctoral (PhD) student position in global health economics

Do you want to contribute to better health for all?

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 Department of Global Public Health is an interdisciplinary institution that aims to advance knowledge on how to improve population health at local, national and global level. Research at the department aims to identify the determinants of health, develop and evaluate individual and structural interventions, and provide evidence for guidelines and policy documents. Many of the department's researchers are scientific advisors to authorities and other decision-makers at regional, national and international level. The department has 12 research groups, about 120 research students and about 140 employees.

The Community Nutrition and Physical Activity (CoNPA) research group focuses on promoting health through improved dietary habits and increased physical activity. Their interdisciplinary research includes epidemiological studies on the determinants of diet and exercise, as well as the development, implementation, and evaluation of interventions aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases both in Sweden and internationally.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

This doctoral project will focus on understanding the health, economic, and equity impacts of early-life interventions to prevent overweight and obesity among children in Sweden. The work is embedded in the Co-fam study, a large randomized controlled trial, combining family- and school-based approaches to promote healthier behaviors and reduce health inequalities.

The duties of the doctoral student include:

• Managing and analyzing large datasets (survey and registry data).
• Designing and applying health economic models.
• Writing scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participating in project meetings, doctoral courses, and seminars
• Disseminating findings to academic, policy, and community stakeholders.

The project provides training in advanced quantitative methods, health economics, and intervention research. The student is expected to take an active role in shaping their research, contributing to scientific discussions, and collaborating with supervisors and project partners.

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

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in public health, health economics, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related field.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience with statistical software (e.g., Stata, R, or similar).
• Good knowledge of epidemiological methods and/or health economic evaluation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and basic knowledge of Swedish 

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience with large datasets, survey or registry data.
• Familiarity with decision modelling, cost-of-illness, or cost-effectiveness analyses.
• Knowledge of childhood obesity, nutrition, or health promotion research.
• Experience in project management, data collection, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

We are looking for a motivated, curious, and independent person with a strong interest in public health and health equity. The ideal candidate is proactive, well-organized, and capable of working both independently and as part of a team. We are looking for someone who is interested in engaging in interdisciplinary research and translating research findings into practice for various target groups.

Terms and conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time. Location: Solna.

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 Department of Global Public Health.

Read more about the Community Nutrition and Physical Activity researcg group (ConNPA).

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