Doctoral (PhD) student position in public health informatics – Mental Healthcare Digitalization and Work Environment

Do you want to contribute to better health for all?

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 Digital Psychiatry Lab at the Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, conducts clinical and applied research in the field of digital psychiatry, with the aim of developing, evaluating, and implementing digital tools for the identification and treatment of mental health problems. One prominent research track examines the growing digitalization of mental healthcare and the societal, organizational, and professional challenges associated with this transformation. The Digital Psychiatry Lab is pleased to announce a doctoral student position within this research area, focusing on how digital mental healthcare is reshaping the work environment and wellbeing of mental health professionals within the broader field of public health informatics.

The doctoral student project and the duties of the doctoral student

The project examines psychosocial working conditions, organizational change, and professional experiences across public and private digital mental healthcare settings to identify risks, opportunities, and strategies for creating sustainable digital work environments. The doctoral student will be actively involved in all stages of this policy-relevant project, including designing studies, data collection, quantitative and qualitative analysis, engaging with stakeholders, and scientific writing. The project applies a mixed-methods approach and includes national survey research, qualitative interviews, policy and document analysis, and participatory research activities. The doctoral student will have the opportunity to develop a broad methodological skill set while contributing to research with direct relevance for occupational health, healthcare policy, and service development.

The position provides excellent preparation for a continued career in academia, public health, healthcare innovation, informatics, occupational health, or related fields. A successful doctoral student will also have opportunities to engage in other projects within the Digital Psychiatry Lab to further broaden their research experience.

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

Within the framework of this interdisciplinary project, we will consider well-qualified, structured, and highly motivated candidates from a range of relevant backgrounds.

Requirements 

• A master’s degree in public health, health informatics, informatics, psychology, occupational health, epidemiology, social science, medical science, or another relevant field.
• Demonstrated interest in the digitalization of healthcare and its implications for professionals, organizations, and service delivery.
• Good knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including data processing and statistical analysis.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Swedish. The project includes interviews, document analysis, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination activities that require proficiency in both languages.
• Ability to plan and drive work forward.

Meritorious

• Ability to understand, apply, and develop conceptual frameworks and theories, with an interest in linking empirical findings to occupational health, organizational, and sociotechnical perspectives.
• Experience with or interest in participatory design, co-design, design science research, or other approaches that link research to practical problem-solving.
• Previous research experience within healthcare, public health, occupational health, digitalization, or related fields.
• Experience in applying survey research, conducting interviews and focus groups, or mixed-methods research.
• Good quantitative research skills with both the drive and the ability to quickly pick up new quantitative skills.
• Familiarity with the Swedish healthcare system and welfare context.
• Experience engaging with healthcare professionals, managers, policymakers, professional organizations, or trade unions.
• Relevant educational, research, or professional experience in areas related to digitalization, healthcare, public health, occupational health, or organizational change.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to interdisciplinary research teams.

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.

Read more about the research group
Read more about Centre for Psychiatry Research

Want to make a difference? Join us at Karolinska Institutet and contribute to better health for all!

1. Nathan Lakew, [email protected]
2. Vendela Breeze, [email protected]

1. Yongtao Xue-Franzén, OFR/ST, [email protected]
2. Per Hydbring, SACO, [email protected]
3. Robert Lindberg, SEKO, [email protected]