Doctoral (PhD) student position in digital innovation for dementia care

Doctoral (PhD) Student Position In Digital Innovation For Dementia Care

The Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) conducts world leading research in aging, dementia, epidemiology and care sciences. This research extends from basic molecular and cell levels to clinical research and societal studies. NVS educates almost a third of KI students at basic and advanced levels. The Department has approximately 540 employees and a revenue 2023 of 530 million SEK. It comprises seven divisions, located at Campus Flemingsberg and Campus Solna.

The Division of Neurogeriatric consists of about 70 employees. The division conducts experimental and translational research related primarily to Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, but also more general molecular mechanisms with biomedical relevance are studied, in BioClinicum, KI Campus Solna and Neo, KI Campus Flemingsberg.

Do You Want To Contribute To Top Quality Medical Research?

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 PhD student will join a multidisciplinary research environment at the Division of Neurogeriatrics, with a strong international reputation in dementia, ageing, health services research, epidemiology, and health economics. The group conducts research using large-scale national and regional healthcare and social care datasets, combining quantitative and qualitative methods to address clinically and societally important challenges. Researchers collaborate closely with healthcare providers, municipalities, patient organizations, and international partners. The environment offers access to extensive registry resources, established research networks, seminars, doctoral courses, and experienced supervisors, providing excellent opportunities for scientific development, methodological training, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The Doctoral Student Project And The Duties Of The Doctoral Student

The doctoral project aims to improve care for people living with dementia who experience behavioral and psychological symptoms. Drawing on one of the world's largest dementia care datasets, the project will identify and characterize non-pharmacological care strategies, map longitudinal care pathways and outcomes, estimate the effects of alternative care approaches, and explore the needs of care staff and informal caregivers. The doctoral student will contribute to all stages of the research project, including analysis of large linked registry datasets, natural language processing of clinical documentation, longitudinal and health economic analyses, qualitative research, scientific publication, and dissemination of findings.

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.

   (A) and (B) can only be certified by the documentation requirement for doctoral education.

   Skills And Personal Qualities

   We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious PhD student with a strong interest in applying natural language processing and machine learning methods to challenges in dementia care. Applicants should have a background in computer science, data science, engineering, statistics, bioinformatics, or a related quantitative discipline. Strong programming skills are required, preferably in Python, together with documented experience in applying natural language processing and deep learning methods within healthcare or biomedical research. Experience working with large-scale healthcare databases, electronic health records, registries, or other real-world health data is highly desirable. Previous research experience, scientific publications, and familiarity with large language models are considered strong merits.

   Great importance will be attached to personal qualities. The successful candidate is analytical, self-motivated, and intellectually curious, with a genuine interest in methodological development and health-related applications. You should be able to work independently, take initiative, and drive complex projects forward while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary research team. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a structured approach to problem-solving are essential for success in this position.

   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. 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
   • Degree projects and previous publications, if any
   • Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above
   • 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.

       KI applies a salary scale when setting salaries for doctoral students. All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed.

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