Doctoral (PhD) student position in Insurance Medicine – Karolinska Institutet

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

This position is based in a large interdisciplinary research group at the Division of Insurance Medicine. Several research projects are conducted within the research group, and you will have the opportunity to work closely with top researchers within sickness absence research and contribute to internationally top-quality research.

You will be part of the doctoral group at the Division. You will have your own workspace, good IT tools, unique data to work with, and good support from your supervisors and other colleagues, e.g., other doctoral students, senior researchers, statisticians, and administrator. The Division arranges several seminars where you will have the opportunity to present you research and learn about research in other projects within related areas.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The goal of the doctoral project is to generate knowledge about paid work and sickness absence after ages 65 and 70, in general and in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. Those in paid work at older ages are a group of increasing size and importance on the labour market. The results will elucidate associations between their life situation, morbidity, and sickness absence, and shed light on how long they remain in paid work. The project will use data from several nationwide registers.

Apart from attending doctoral courses, the applicant will conduct research in different sub-studies, and present them in a compilation thesis. The applicant will work with:

• • Data management
  • Statistical analyses
  • Interpretation of results
  • Writing scientific articles
  • Literature reviews
  • Presenting results

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. 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 candidate with a Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, psychology, behavioural sciences, labour market studies, social policy, or similar areas, with the ability to independently conduct statistical analyses. Priority will be given to applicants with experience of working with social insurance and/or older populations, and with register data.

Fluency in spoken and written English is necessary, and good communication skills in Swedish are highly meriting. The successful applicant should show that they are responsible, independent, meticulous and have good problem solving skills. Collaborative ability and communication skills are important. The applicant should also have good project management skills.

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.

Your application must contain the following documents:

– A personal letter and a curriculum vitae (Swedish or English)
– Degree projects and previous publications, if any
– 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)

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 Department here

Read more about the research group you will be part of here

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