Doctoral (PhD) student position in implementation science in adolescent global health

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 Department of Global Public Health is an interdisciplinary institution that aims to advance knowledge on how to improve population health at local, national and global level. Research at the department aims to identify the determinants of health, develop and evaluate individual and structural interventions, and provide evidence for guidelines and policy documents. Many of the department's researchers are scientific advisors to authorities and other decision-makers at regional, national and international level. The department has 12 research groups, about 115 research students and about 140 employees.

The doctoral position is placed within the IMPAQT (Implementation and Quality) research group. Our aim is to generate knowledge on how to develop, implement, and evaluate strategies to improve the quality of care globally. We focus largely, but not exclusively, on low-resource settings.

The aim of this thesis project is to contribute to an implementation and evaluation project of an on sustainable adolescent nutrition intervention for primary prevent of obesity and other related non-communicable diseases in Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Tanzania. There are four main intervention strategies: urban farming, sustainable health education modules, health counseling, and a mass media campaign. The project will focus on implementation science methodologies and principles of health promotion in Global Health. Project studies and activities will involve close collaboration with international partners.

The main aspects of the project that the PhD student will be involved in are conducting stakeholder analysis, supporting the co-design of the intervention components, examining factors impacting adolescent’s food environments, and conduct a  health economic analysis of the intervention. 

For the project the doctoral student will be expected to contribute to study designs, assist with overall project coordination, support and conduct primary data collect, carry out quantitative and qualitative analyses, and interpret and present results. As a PhD student, you will also participate in the activities of the research group, as well as participating in PhD courses based on the student syllabus and individual study plan.

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.

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:

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 .

The candidate must have a master’s degree in public health or global health or equivalent.

The applicant must have experience in advanced qualitative and participatory methodologies since these methods are used in the doctoral research project. Background in working with quantitative methods and health economics is also required. The candidate must demonstrate analytical skills and documented competence to work with analysis programs, for example Nvivo. Prior knowledge of a statistical software is also an advantage.

The applicant should have good work capacity, high social skills, and good communication skills. The candidate should be highly motivated and thrive in an intercultural and multidisciplinary team. The ability of working in large consortiums is therefore highly desirable. Experience of research in a low-income-setting, particularly from Africa is also an meritorious.

It is desired that the applicant has previously published scientific work, ideally qualitative or reviews. The applicant must also have good organizational skills including project management with the ability to work both in groups and independently. Great emphasis is placed on personal suitability. Very good knowledge of oral and written English is required.

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time. The start date for the position is as soon as possible.

Location: Solna.

Submit your application and supporting documents through the Varbi recruitment system. Use the button in the top right corner and follow the instructions. We prefer that your application is written in English, but you can also apply in Swedish.

Your application must 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)

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 of Global Public Health

Read more about IMPAQT research group