PhD position in analysis of lifestyle habits of Swedish Adolescent populations using mHealth methodologies.

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 IMPACT research group (Innovative use of Mobile Phones to promote physical ACTivity and nutrition across the life span), https://ki.se/en/bionut/the-impact-research-group-marie-lof led by Professor Marie Löf, and currently consists of 25 active research and educational personnel, both senior and junior. The group's research focuses on the improvement of health and quality of life in humans, both in normal and clinical populations. The group has a special focus on the prevention of overweight and obesity in pregnancy and childhood, using mobile phone technology (mHealth) to measure diet and physical activity, and to deliver interventions promoting healthier lifestyles. The group also has a strong educational character, with an active role in the education of Nutrition in Karolinska Institutet.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

We are looking for a PhD candidate in nutrition and technology-assisted behavioral measurements to join the Work Unit of Researcher Ioannis Ioakeimidis within the IMPACT research group. Ioannis' research has a wide scope, spanning from clinical and real-world studies across different populations, focusing on the use of novel technologies to monitor health-related behaviors and support behavioral change and extending to technological development and advanced data analytics. The PhD project will focus on the Unit's obesity/related research on Swedish-based adolescents' lifestyle behaviors (e.g., dietary and physical activity habits) and living environment (e.g., food and built environment), in association with school life and socioeconomic status. This will combine tasks within the domains of eHealth/technology-assisted research, real-world behavioral and ecological studies, as well as qualitative research activities, focusing on students, teachers and families.

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

For this position a solid background in nutrition or similar is required. The candidate should have strong communication skills and as the ability to engage with Swedish school children of various ages, as well as interact effectively with Swedish school personnel is essential. It is therefore a hard requirement that the candidate is fluent in Swedish and can articulate professionally in writing. Moreover, fluent knowledge in English, both oral and written, is a requirement. Previous experience with quantitative and qualitative data collection within the field of nutritional science is a requirement, and the use of real-world data collection methodologies is an additional merit. Candidates with a background in conducting such research involving children, particularly in school environments, will be highly valued. Previous experience in evaluating and deploying eHealth tools and platforms (e.g., smartphones, web-based portals etc.) for data collection is also considered a strong merit. Previous work with nutritional analysis of food pictures is also an advantage. Overall, we seek a candidate who can work autonomously and at the same time collaborate well with others, so past participation in large collaborative and interdisciplinary projects will be appreciated. Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Terms and conditions

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

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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.

Links:

https://ki.se/en/bionut/department-of-biosciences-and-nutrition

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