Postdoctoral studies in upper gastrointestinal cancer (scholarship)

The research group ‘Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery’ is beautifully located in the heart of KI’s main campus area. The group consists of researchers, biostatisticians, administrators, PhD candidates and students. We conduct research of diseases and surgery of the upper gastrointestinal tract, i.e. oesophagus and stomach, with a focus on cancer. Data for our projects mainly come from national health data registries and clinical data collections. We have extensive international collaborations, a structured approach to developing new studies, and an active seminar series. In the last external assessment of all research constellations at KI, our group was rated ‘outstanding’ (the highest score possible). The research group leader is professor Jesper Lagergren.
You can read more about the group here: http://ki.se/en/mmk/upper-gi-surgery

The postdoctoral researcher will be working with a new project, the ‘Nordic Helicobacter Pylori Eradication Project (NordHePEP)’. This large-scale project is based on data from several national health data registries in all five Nordic countries and includes a cohort study that will evaluate how the risk of oesophageal and gastric cancer is influenced by treatment of the gastric bacteria Helicobacter pylori, and a case-control study that will examine how certain medications influence the risk of developing these tumours compared to a sample of the general population. Also other projects examining upper gastrointestinal cancer may be used.

Supervision: The supervisor is Jesper Lagergren, professor and consultant surgeon at KI and Karolinska University Hospital (and professor and consultant surgeon at King’s College London on a part-time basis). He is member of the Nobel Assembly.  

The work will mainly be planning of new epidemiological studies (study protocols), data management, statistical analyses, and writing scientific articles. The work has a strong focus on research. Potential teaching may be e.g. in connection with the research group’s PhD Courses, Seminars and Journal Clubs.

We are looking for a skilled postdoctoral researcher with knowledge in epidemiology and biostatics and an interest in research of causes, prevention and prognosis of upper gastrointestinal cancer. 

Scholarships for postdoctoral qualification can be established for foreign researchers who place their qualifications in Sweden. The purpose of scholarships for postdoctoral qualification is to promote internationalization and contribute to research qualification after a doctorate or equivalent.
A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent.
To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a doctorate or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) start date of the post doctoral education.

The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish doctorate or higher.

Applicants will mainly be evaluated based on their scientific qualifications and appropriate experience and skills in the work tasks described above (under ‘Entry requirements’). We particularly consider scientific quality. Skills in human research methodology and study design (modern epidemiology) are particularly qualifying. The applicant should have experience in analysis and interpretation of research data and in writing of scientific articles in English. Knowledge and interest in oesophageal and gastric cancer is meriting. Important personal characteristics include curiosity, engagement, and social competence. Good collaboration skills are required. Excellent skills in the English language (both orally and in writing) are required, not the least because English is the official language of the group.
In the assessment, we give particular weight for scientific skills (factor 3), but we will also consider potential documented skills in teaching (factor 1), clinics (factor 1) and administration (factor 1).    

The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

An application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

• Personal letter explaining your suitability for the position (maximum 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae (maximum 4 pages)
• List of all peer-reviewed publications with latest known journal impact factor for
• A summary of current work (no more than one page)

The application is to be submitted on the Varbi recruitment system.