Doctoral (PhD) student position in Maternal and newborn health and health systems - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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 9 research groups, about 100 research students and about 140 employees.

You will be placed within the Health Systems and Policy (HSP) group within the sub-group IMPAQT (Implementation and Quality). Our aim is to generate knowledge on how to develop, implement, and evaluate strategies to improve the quality of care globally. We focus largely, but not exclusively, on low-resource settings.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The project aims to determine the burden of stillbirth and adapt bereavement care to local needs to alleviate negative consequences on mothers and maternity staff. Research demonstrates that users’ and experts’ participation is imperative for effective and sustainable quality improvement. The project is embedded in one large research project (ALERT).

In the project, qualitative and quantitative research methods will be used to collect information on a multitude of variables of experiences and explanations. Data will be collected in four countries through qualitative interviews, participatory methodologies, and a perinatal registry. The doctoral student will participate in data collection, perform data analyzes and compile the results in scientific articles and in a doctoral dissertation. The tasks include coordinating the planned studies and supporting the administration of the research. Collaboration with researchers and other employees both in the field and in the academic world is a prominent element in the work.

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 candidate must have a master’s degree in public health or global health or equivalent in addition to a medical degree with specialization in obstetrics or pediatrics. We are looking for a highly motivated person who has some experience in research, preferably in global maternal and child health care. The project involves various actors and work in an international and intercultural research group. Experience of research in a low-income-setting is desirable. 

The methods used in the doctoral study include advanced qualitative and participatory methodologies such as photo elicitation as well as epidemiological and biostatistical analysis. Experience of these methods is therefore desirable.  Documented competence to work with analysis programs Nvivo and Stata is an advantage.  

The applicant should have high analytical skills, good work capacity, high social skills, and good communication skills. The applicant must also have good organizational skills with the ability to work both in groups and independently.  Great emphasis is placed on personal suitability. Very good knowledge of English is required in both speech and writing.

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 (Swedish or English)
- Degree projects and previous publications, if any  (Swedish or English)
- Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above  (Swedish or English)
- Documents certifying your general eligibility (see A above)
- Documents certifying your specific eligibility (see B above)
- An excel sheet where you respond to each of the aspects as mentioned under selection a-g (see below)

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:

a) Documented subject knowledge of relevance to the area of research
b) Analytical skill
c) Other documented knowledge or experience that may be relevant to doctoral studies in the subject.

In addition:

d) Analytical skills including skills in using qualitative software and analysing different types of qualitative data including visual data
e) Experience of working with different actors in health and in multi-disciplinary groups (intercultural skills)
f) Experience in working in international projects.
g) Described independence in the conduct of previous scientific work in maternal and child health care.

Recruitment and interviewing will start in January 2023. All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed.

Read more about the Department of Global Public Health (GPH) 

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