Doctoral (PhD) student position at the Unit of Environmental Epidemiology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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 unit of Environmental Epidemiology is focused on epidemiological research concerning causes of asthma and allergy as well as the health effects of ambient air pollution, community noise and green structure. Molecular biomarkers are used to assess interactions between environmental and hereditary factors, as well as to better characterize exposure and health effects. Many projects are conducted in international collaboration. We often participate in environmental health risk assessments for national as well as international organizations and authorities. These assessments are often based on research conducted within the unit.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student
Tobacco exposure is an important determinant of health. Still, we need to better understand how exposure in fetal life, childhood and adolescence influence health in adulthood. The overall aim of the doctoral project is to gain further knowledge on the role of secondhand smoke exposure, cigarette smoking and snus consumption for respiratory, allergic and cardiovascular outcomes during the first 24 years of life. The project will be based on a Swedish birth cohort (BAMSE, https://ki.se/en/imm/bamse-project). The project will use epidemiological methods. Biomarkers will be used for exposure assessment, risk assessment and for analyses of disease mechanisms.

The doctoral student will analyse data, interpret and present the results as well as write scientific papers. Furthermore, the student will work both independently in formulating new hypotheses and critically examining obtained results, and work in a group setting when, for example, preparing data for epidemiological analysis. Duties also include maintaining contact with study participants.

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
We are looking for a dedicated student interested in research on tobacco exposure and health. Applicants with a degree in biomedicine, medicine, nutrition, statistics or toxicology are encouraged. Documented knowledge in epidemiology and experience from working with epidemiological studies (particularly in environmental medicine), as well as of statistical analyses and using the STATA software is a merit. Experience from working with biomarkers is a merit.

The applicant will need to feel comfortable with working in teams and demonstrate good interpersonal skills. Other required personal skills are analytic ability, endurance, and ability for structured work. Furthermore, it is a requirement that the applicant has a very high proficiency of English both in terms of speech and writing. Proficiency in Swedish is a merit in order to be able to communicate with study participants.

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.

[Put links here - max 2, for example the department, research group or Your career continues here]

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