Doctoral (PhD) student position in clinical epidemiology with a focus on steatotic liver disease

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

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

Liver disease is an expanding and attractive field with many unanswered questions and the potential for long-term scientific careers. The Hagström research group at Department of Medicine, Huddinge has a long history and focus on clinical and epidemiological studies in the field of liver diseases, especially within steatotic liver disease. Within our research group you will find an opportunity to use unique data sets to improve our understanding of liver diseases and contribute to world-leading research.

We offer an engaging interdisciplinary research environment where you may contribute to high quality research on an internationally competitive level. The group consists of clinicians, epidemiologists, biostatisticians and research nurses, both locally and internationally. You will use detailed data from multiple cohorts ranging from clinical cohort with granular information on biomarkers and treatments to nationwide registers. The aim is to gain increased understanding on risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with the progression of fibrosis in steatotic liver disease.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

In this PhD project, we will explore the relationship between metabolic biomarkers and fibrosis progression across various patient populations, including individuals in primary care, patients with type 2 diabetes, and those diagnosed with steatotic liver disease, with the aim to identify routinely measured markers that can predict end stage liver disease. Additionally, we will investigate the interplay between alcohol consumption and metabolic dysfunction in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, using multigenerational registry data, we will examine whether maternal obesity is associated with an increased risk of steatotic or end-stage liver disease in offspring. These studies aim to provide a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between metabolic dysfunction and the risk of end-stage liver disease, offering valuable insights to inform preventive strategies for this prevalent chronic condition.

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:

The applicant must have completed relevant education, preferably medical school, medical nutrition, epidemiology or biostatistics, and have a strong interest in metabolic related disease. The applicant should have research experience. The applicant should have some knowledge or training in epidemiology and modeling. The applicant should be familiar with handling large-scale data. The applicant must be fluent in English, both spoken and written. The applicant should be able to work well both in a team and independently, as well as in an international environment.

Preferred:

Programming skills in R, SAS or STATA are considered a strong asset. Familiarity with literature search, review, and summary of scientific articles. Knowledge of research in using register-based research, especially using data from Swedish registries, is a strong merit.   A strong interest in data-driven research and interdisciplinary science with a focus on practical applications and problem-solving. 

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 Hagström research group

Read more about the Department of Medicine, Huddinge

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