Doctoral (PhD) student position in psychiatric epidemiology - 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

The main focus of the research group MENTE is at the intersection of studies within psychiatric epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology and insurance medicine. The performed studies are translational and deal with aetiology, treatment and prognosis of mental disorders and suicidal behaviour. We offer a stimulating scientific environment as well as a possibility to collaborate with other researchers at the division, Karolinska Institutet, in Sweden and abroad.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The overall aim of the project is to characterise patterns and pathways to labour market marginalisation in individuals with bipolar disorder. The student will investigate how pharmacotherapy for bipolar disorder impacts labour market marginalisation, and assess the role of comorbidity, socioeconomic and work-related factors. Also, the student will examine if there are differences in labour market marginalisation, health care utilisation, treatment and suicide attempt in patients with bipolar disorder before compared to during/after the COVID-19 outbreak in Sweden and Finland, two countries with different regulations to handle the pandemic.

The studies build on register data and the doctoral student will learn to apply advanced statistical methods and epidemiological design. The student will predominantly prepare working data files, run statistical analyses and write manuscripts. In this process, the doctoral student will be supervised by Ellenor Mittendorfer-Rutz (main supervisor, Professor of Insurance medicine), Jari Tiihonen (Professor of psychiatry), Heidi Taipale (Associate Professor) and Ridwanul Amin (post-doc).

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 the announced PhD position, a university education in medicine, public health, epidemiology, sociology, psychology or a related subject is required. Experience in epidemiological studies and analysis of register data is a particular merit and very good knowledge of spoken and written English is a requirement for the position. Applicants must demonstrate a high degree of accuracy and independence. The work involves close collaboration with others, which is why good collaboration skills are of great importance.

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.

Department of Clinical Neuroscience
Division of Insurance Medicine

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