Doctoral student position – Preventing Functional Decline in Older Adults During Acute Hospitalization

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

The doctoral student will be part of Anna-Karin Welmer's research group Aging and Health at the Division of Physiotherapy. The group’s research focuses on the health of older adults, with particular emphasis on physical function, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and falls. The research includes both clinical studies, such as intervention and implementation research, as well as population-based studies. The research group is interprofessional and consists of both junior and senior researchers with diverse expertise in the field of aging and health. The group meets regularly, and the division offers seminars and journal clubs for doctoral students.

The doctoral student will be part of the Research School in Health Science (FiH) | Karolinska Institutet.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral student will contribute to the project “Preventing Functional Decline in Acutely Hospitalized Older Adults: Effects of a Three-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial, Patient Experiences, and Secondary Analyses.” Older adults hospitalized for acute illness often experience frailty and are at heightened risk of functional decline. While exercise has been shown to reduce this risk, more research is needed to compare the effectiveness of different exercise programs. To investigate which program is most beneficial for older adults in acute care, the PREV_FUNC study was initiated. This three-arm randomized controlled trial compares two exercise regimens to usual care. One program includes strength training, balance, and walking exercises, while the other focuses on walking and sit-to-stand exercises, which participants are encouraged to continue at home.

The objectives of the doctoral project are to:

1. Evaluate the short-term effects of the exercise programs on physical function and the long-term effects on hospital readmissions,

2. Explore older adults' experiences with home-based exercise following hospitalization, and

3. Investigate how the exercise programs affect pain levels.

The research is based on data from the PREV_FUNC study, which involves approximately 320 participants aged 75 and older across three hospitals in Stockholm. As a doctoral student, you will analyze the data, write scientific papers, and present findings. Some data collection, including qualitative interviews, may also be part of the project. As a doctoral student in the Research School in Health Science, you will participate in courses and activities organized by the research school.

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

We are looking for a motivated individual with a strong interest in research on physical activity and health in older adults. You should have a background in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, or another relevant field. You should possess excellent communication skills, the ability to collaborate effectively, and the capacity to work productively within a research team. Furthermore, you should be detail-oriented, structured, and analytical in your approach. Research experience is an advantage, as is experience working in geriatric inpatient or outpatient care, or in other areas related to care and health promotion among older adults. The applicant should also have a high level of proficiency in English, both written and spoken. Proficiency in Swedish is an asset.

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.

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