PhD in Environmental Epidemiology and Dementia Research at Karolinska Institutet Karolinska Institutet in Sweden

PhD position in environmental epidemiology and dementia research at Karolinska Institutet

This doctoral studentship is based at the Aging Research Center (ARC) within the research group EcoMind and biological pathways in cognitive aging, led by Associate Professor Debora Rizzuto. The project investigates how environmental exposures such as air pollution, transportation noise, and related stressors influence dementia risk and cognitive aging.

The selected PhD student will work with data from several large Swedish population-based longitudinal cohorts through the National E-infrastructure for Aging Research (NEAR). The research combines epidemiological analysis, geospatial exposure assessment, biomarker data, and advanced statistical modeling to study modifiable environmental risk factors for brain aging and dementia. The project also explores potential mediators and moderators such as cardiovascular health, inflammation, psychosocial resilience, and genetic susceptibility.

Applicants should have a master’s degree in epidemiology, public health, environmental sciences, biostatistics, or an equivalent qualification. Strong skills in epidemiological and statistical methods, large-scale data handling, longitudinal analysis, and software such as R or Stata are required. English proficiency equivalent to English B/English 6 is also required. Experience in geospatial analysis, environmental exposure modeling, dementia research, cohort harmonization, and scientific publishing is considered advantageous.

The position is a PhD studentship with a contractual salary for up to four years full-time. Karolinska Institutet describes a collaborative, international, and multidisciplinary research environment, with access to doctoral courses, scientific activities, a free gym, and reimbursement for medical care.

To apply, submit your materials through the Varbi recruitment system. Required documents include a personal letter, CV, degree projects and publications if available, and documents proving both general and specific eligibility. The application deadline is 12 May 2026.