Doctoral (PhD) student position in Perinatal Psychiatric Epidemiology

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

Would you like to contribute to improving the health of women and children? Join our research group in reproductive epidemiology, which includes researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and PhD students conducting research on pregnancy, childbirth, and the neonatal period using national health and quality registers as well as clinical studies. We are a growing and dynamic group of clinical researchers, offering a welcoming work environment with inspiring opportunities to improve maternal and infant health.

Project and the duties of the doctoral student

This doctoral project will investigate the incidence and risk factors for Severe Perinatal Psychiatric Disorders (SPPD) in women and men, and evaluate the long-term impact of parental SPPD on family health across two decades. Using established, linked population-based registers from Sweden and a pre-established validation cohort from British Columbia (BC), Canada, the project will follow approximately 3.5 million individuals for up to 24 years (2000–2024). The doctoral student will lead four interrelated register-based studies. The student will receive training in register linkage, cohort construction, regression modelling, survival analysis, sibling-comparison analysis, and negative-control exposure methods. The project involves collaboration with researchers in Canada and uses data from Swedish national registers and British Columbia population-based databases.

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.*

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.

English language requirements for doctoral education.

Skills and personal qualities

It is required that the applicant is able to work independently as well as a part of a research group. We are looking for a candidate who is curious about reproductive epidemiology and enjoys learning new things. The applicant should be detail-oriented and well-organized, with the ability to manage several projects simultaneously. The applicant must communicate well both in written and in spoken English. The applicant must have experience in performing statistical analysis, as well as an understanding of health register and electronic medical record data, register linkages and performing register-based research. A high level of knowledge of statistical software (SAS/STATA or R). A background in Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology or Midwifery will be considered as merit. Also, previous experience in pregnancy related research is a preferred knowledge.

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.

The Perinatal Epidemiology Lifecourse Lab – Team Neda Razaz

Type of employment: PhD placement
Contract type: Full time
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100
City: Solna
County: Stockholms län
Country: Sweden
Reference number: STÖD 2-1604/2026