The research group

The doctoral student will join the Equity and Health Policy (EHP) research group and the Biostatistics Team (BT) at the Department of Global Public Health. Members of the EHP research group currently work on Swedish and international projects regarding inequalities in health and health-related quality of life; social differences in social consequences of disease; equity in health care utilisation and health among disadvantaged groups and populations in disadvantaged areas. The BT conduct methodological research on how to learn from one or more epidemiological studies and it is involved in educational activities in well-established master and doctoral programs. The BT aims to gather statistical and methodological expertise across the Department of Global Public Health and Centre for Epidemiology and Community Medicine.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The doctoral project is about design and implementation of simulation studies to address methodological challenges arising in epidemiological and public health research. The doctoral student is expected to investigate mechanisms underlying sources of biases or inefficiencies, to replicate such mechanisms using computer algorithms, and to investigate what are the consequences. The doctoral student is expected to write for international scientific journals and to work with others in a multidisciplinary research environment. In addition, the doctoral student is expected to contribute to undergraduate and post-graduate educational activities.

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:

• have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or
• 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
• 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

It is necessary to a) have a strong understanding of statistical principles and models used in epidemiological and public health research; b) be fluent in one or more programming languages; and c) possess excellent communication skills – both writing and speaking – in English. It is highly desirable to d) have prior experience in the analysis of large population-based studies; e) have prior teaching experience to international students; and f) be able to work in interdisciplinary research teams.