Doctoral (PhD) student position in Social protection policies for 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 research group

At the Department of Global Public Health, we conduct research, teaching and applied work based on public health science and epidemiology. The research is aimed at analysing health determinants on the population level, and developing and evaluating preventative structural and individualised measures, including legislation and guidelines. The field also includes health economics, health systems research and implementation research. Our activities have a strongly international flavour, and the department’s researchers are scientific advisers to authorities and other decision-makers on the regional, national and international level. The department is divided into research groups operating within the fields of global health, public health epidemiology and social medicine with a total of 150 employees. In addition, we have around 100 research students. The position will be in the Social Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Migration (SIM) research group.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The PhD position advertised is on social protection policies for health. The goal of the project is to understand the needs and challenges to expand social protection to people with tuberculosis in low-and middle-income countries. Tuberculosis is chosen as a tracer condition, as it has clear links to poverty. Evidence suggests that the improvement of living conditions, and reduction of poverty, can have an important effect on reducing tuberculosis incidence and that social protection can improve health care access. The project is a mixed methods project, housed across two funded projects in Mozambique, Kenya and Tanzania. The position will involve close working with these international teams, both online and in person. The research will involve collecting and analysing data, and interviewing people from policymakers to individuals.

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:

have been awarded a second-cycle/advanced/master qualification (i.e. master degree), or

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

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

The chosen applicant must have:

• a master’s degree in health or social sciences, preferably with relevance to global health/ public health and/or health economics/ health policy.
• a proven interest in global health and previous work experience in low- and middle-income settings.
• critical analysis skills and previous experience working with qualitative and quantitative data.
• previous experience in research or project management in international teams.

The following will be an advantage:

• previous experience in research and understanding social protection for health.
• previous experience in engaging with policymakers.
• good communication skills and ability to work effectively in an international and interdisciplinary team.
• speak and write Portuguese.

Terms and conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

Start date of employment: as soon as possible.

Location: Solna

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 (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.

Read more about the Department of Global Public Health (GPH)

Read more about SIM research group

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