The Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics conducts research in epidemiology and biostatistics across a broad range of areas within biomedical science. The department is among the largest of its type in Europe and has especially strong research profiles in psychiatric, cancer, reproductive, pediatric, pharmaco, genetic, and geriatric epidemiology, eating disorders, precision medicine, and biostatistics.

Part of the success of our department is due to our collaborative spirit where one factor is that researchers at the Department share and co-finance common resources (e.g., IT and an applied biostatistics group). The department is situated at campus Solna. Further information can be found at http://ki.se/en/meb

Do you want to contribute to better health for all?
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 psychiatric epidemiology group at MEB is concerned with the causes, consequences, and treatment of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Research within the group is based on the Swedish Twin Register and nationwide health registries.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has an onset in childhood, yet it is increasingly understood that ASD persists into adulthood. Our understanding of ASD in adults remains relatively limited, however. The project will focus on the causes and consequences of ASD in adulthood. The project will involve using multiple methods (e.g. twin studies, cohort design, and molecular genetics), to understand the causes and psychosocial outcomes of ASD in adults.

The doctoral student will be expected to complete four studies. The student will, together with the supervisors, develop the research questions. With the support of supervisors and statisticians, the student will manage large scale datasets (including twin and health registry data) and perform data analyses. The student will write up the results of each study for publication in peer reviewed journals.

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.

Skills and personal qualities
Necessary criteria: 1) background in a relevant discipline (including, but not limited to, psychology, medicine, human sciences, genetics, or biology); 2) strong statistical skills and ability to use statistical software; 3) a strong interest in autism and/or neurodevelopmental disorders; 4) a collegiate attitude and ability to collaborate with other team members. Meriting criteria: 1) experience working with autism (e.g. research or clinics); 2) experience working with R or SAS; 3) experience working in a research setting.

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 should contain the following documents:

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

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

Type of employment PhD placement
Contract type Full time
First day of employment According to agreement
Salary Monthly salary
Reference number 2-107/2020
Contact
  • Paul Lichtenstein, paul.lichtenstein@ki.se
  • Mark Taylor, mark.taylor@ki.se
  • Sara Tiste, sara.tiste@ki.se
Union representative
  • Ann Almqvist, OFR, 08-52486199
  • Ulrika Zagai, SACO, 08-524 871 84, ulrika.zagai@ki.se
  • Henry Wölling, SEKO, 08-524 840 80
Published 13.Jan.2020
Last application date 10.Feb.2020 11:59 PM CET

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