Doctoral (PhD) position in the epidemiology of multiple sclerosis - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

A doctoral student is admitted to third-cycle/doctoral education. A doctoral education consists of supervised research, combined with courses and other educational activities. An individual study plan is established for each doctoral student. For a doctoral degree, the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education is required.

Research group
The Clinical Epidemiology Division (KEP) combines clinical, epidemiological, and biostatistical expertise with the aim to improve the understanding and treatment of a broad range of medical conditions. The research at KEP focuses on translational epidemiological studies where register data are often combined with other material, including biological samples. KEP is Situated at the Karolinska University Hospital campus in Solna, and part of the Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and also part of the SLL organisation at the Karolinska University Hospital. KEP comprises more than 100 full-time or part-time staff, associated researchers and PhD students.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student
Applicants are invited to apply for a PhD research training position to work on identifying how environmental exposures and genetic factors combine to influence multiple sclerosis (MS) risk, as well as how they influence disease severity, progression and complications. The project will use a combination of register data, survey information and genetic material for thousands of individuals in Sweden, with and without MS. The study will involve statistical modelling, including techniques suitable for survival analysis, matched case-control studies and genetics. Identification of comorbid diseases and other factors relevant to MS risk, severity and progression will to a certain extent influence the choice of which genetic markers are included in the analysis.    

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
The successful applicant should have knowledge of epidemiological study designs and experience of applying appropriate statistical methods in large and complex datasets using software such as Stata or SAS. An understanding of how genetic material is used in epidemiological research is highly desirable, as is knowledge of immune-mediated or neurological diseases such as MS. Familiarity with the national Swedish registers relevant to health and disease would also be an advantage. The applicant should have good communication skills and be proficient in spoken and written English.  While not essential, a basic understanding of Swedish would be desirable. Other important characteristics include the aptitude to remain up-to-date with relevant scientific developments, good communication and organisational skills; as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

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.

KI 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.