PhD position Digital Lifestyles and Mental Wellbeing in Adolescents Using mHealth and EEG Methodologies Full-time NEW

PhD Position Digital Lifestyles and Mental Wellbeing in Adolescents Using mHealth and EEG Methodologies

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 IMPACT research group (Innovative use of Mobile Phones to promote physical ACTivity and nutrition across the life span), led by Professor Marie Löf, currently consists of 35 active research and educational personnel, both senior and junior. The group's research focuses on the improvement of health and quality of life in humans, both in normal and clinical populations. The group has a special focus on the prevention of overweight and obesity in pregnancy and childhood, using mobile phone technology (mHealth) to measure diet and physical activity, and to deliver interventions promoting healthier lifestyles. The group also has a strong educational character, with an active role in the education of Nutrition at Karolinska Institutet.

The Doctoral Student Project and the Duties of the Doctoral Student

We are looking for a PhD candidate in nutrition and technology-assisted behavioural measurements to join the research team of Researcher Ioannis Ioakeimidis within the IMPACT research group. Ioannis' research has a wide scope, spanning from clinical and real-world studies across different populations, focusing on the use of novel technologies to monitor health-related behaviours and support behavioural change and extending to technological development and advanced data analytics.

As a doctoral student, you will examine how objectively quantified digital lifestyle parameters relate to lifestyle behaviours, mental wellbeing and neurophysiological responses among children and adolescents. Your research will focus on the characterisation of digital environments and digital behaviour metrics, including analyses of the intensity and timing of children's interactions with social media, short-form video, messaging apps and digital games. You will also explore how these factors are associated with lifestyle and behavioural regulation, including dietary habits, sleep, physical activity, sedentary time and daily routines.

The project will also include EEG-based neurophysiological research, examining characteristics and responses to digital content related to attention, inhibitory control and emotional processing. These measures will be used to explore potential mechanisms and differences in response to digital experiences.

The work will combine technology-assisted behavioural research with research conducted in real-world settings and will include objective collection of data on digital behaviours and lifestyle habits, EEG-based studies, and longitudinal analyses. Depending on the final individual study plan and project development, the work may also include qualitative or co-creation activities involving young people, families, schools and other relevant stakeholders.

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 looking for a candidate with a solid academic background in nutrition or another relevant scientific field related to quantitative analysis of lifestyle behaviours and behavioural change, preferably at Master's level. You have a strong interest in research and documented experience of analysing lifestyle behaviours using digital data collection methods.

Requirements:

• experience of quantitative and qualitative data collection;
• experience of electronic management and analysis of participant data, for example using REDCap;
• experience of analysing survey data;
• strong communication skills and excellent written and spoken English.

It is particularly meritorious if you have knowledge/experience of:

• quantitative studies conducted in real-world settings;
• research involving children, particularly in school settings;
• Swedish knowledge at least on level B1;
• analysing contextual content in participant-submitted images using either automated or manual methods;
• evaluating and using eHealth tools and digital platforms for data collection, such as dedicated smartphone apps and web-based portals;
• and large-scale interdisciplinary research and collaborative projects.

Knowledge of Horizon Europe project procedures and experience in proposal writing will be considered an advantage, since the project is funded by a newly acquired EU project.

You must be meticulous and structured, and able to work both independently and as part of a team. We place great importance on the ability to collaborate, flexibility in new situations, the ability to make decisions efficiently, and overall fit within the research team. Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

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.

All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed.

KI applies a salary scale when setting salaries for doctoral students.