PhD Student in Gerontology with a Focus on Medical Science and Health Sciences

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked as one of the world's leading universities. It has around 47,000 students and more than 8,800 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We unite in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of people.

Lund University welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Gender equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles for all aspects of our operations.

Workplace Description

The research group conducts interdisciplinary research focusing on aging and health. The group is affiliated with the Center for Aging and Supportive Environments (CASE), is responsible for coordinating the Swedish national graduate school on aging and health (SWEAH), and is engaged in the university's profile area of Proactive Aging. Read more about the group here (#).

We hereby seek a PhD student in gerontology with a focus on medical science and health sciences. The position is 100% full-time. Desired start date is April 1, 2026, or by agreement. Candidates called for an interview may be asked to perform tests to demonstrate basic competencies for the position.

Research Project Description

The PhD position is part of the Nordic-Baltic collaboration project “AI for Mindful Care and Ageing” (AMICA). The overarching goals of the project are: (1) to create empirical knowledge about how AI automation changes experiences of care, caregiving, inequality, and welfare systems, (2) to develop theoretical understanding of how vulnerability is shaped by intersecting social identities, life histories, and structural conditions, and (3) to contribute to policy and governance frameworks for responsible and ethical AI in home care in the Nordic-Baltic region. The project combines critical social science perspectives with health sciences, gerontology, and science and technology studies. The PhD student will focus on AI-based home care in Sweden and conduct comparisons between countries in collaboration with researchers at partner universities.

Tasks and Responsibilities

You will be admitted as a PhD student and employed at Lund University. A number of mandatory courses as well as several elective courses in the field are included. With support from the main supervisor and co-supervisors, the PhD student is expected to:

• map and analyze policy and organizational materials related to AI in home care
• plan and conduct qualitative data collection with older individuals, care personnel, and innovation leaders (e.g., in-depth interviews and follow-up conversations)
• perform qualitative data analysis (e.g., life course, thematic, and intersectional analysis)
• apply and further develop the project's theoretical perspectives
• contribute to cross-border comparisons together with project partners
• write scientific articles and present results at seminars and conferences
• participate in and contribute to the research environment at the department, within CASE and the profile area of Proactive Aging
• contribute to AMICA project meetings and activities for collaboration with older individuals, care personnel, and decision-makers
• conduct national and international travel, including a one-month research stay at a Nordic-Baltic partner university to promote learning and collaboration across borders.

The tasks may also include teaching and other institutional duties (maximum 20%).

Qualifications

Requirements for the position are:

• good knowledge of English, both spoken and written
• good knowledge of Swedish, both spoken and written
• strong interest in qualitative research and theory development
• good computer skills
• experience of collaboration in interdisciplinary and international research groups.

Meritorious for the position are:

• experience in using qualitative research methods
• experience working with or researching older individuals
• experience in research or development projects involving digital technology

We Offer

Lund University is a government authority, which means you receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favorable occupational pension. Read more on the university's website, Work with us (#).

About the Employment

The position is a fixed-term full-time employment, starting as soon as possible by agreement, but no later than September 1, 2026. The doctoral education is four years for full-time studies. Regulations regarding employment as a doctoral student can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

More about employment conditions for doctoral students on Lund University's employee web.

How to Apply

The position is applied for via the university's recruitment system. The application should include a personal motivation letter (in English) describing how you meet the eligibility requirements and why you are interested in the position. The application should also include relevant degree certificates, CV or equivalent, contact details for two referees, and a writing sample (thesis) of no more than 10 pages.

The Faculty of Medicine is an area of operation within Lund University, responsible for education and research in medicine, care, and health. Education takes place in close collaboration with healthcare and is well anchored in the faculty's strong research tradition. The faculty's research spans a wide field within experimental basic research, patient-centered clinical research, and health sciences research. The Faculty of Medicine, with over 1,800 employees and 2,700 students in Lund, Malmö, and Helsingborg, is an intensive knowledge meeting place for students, teachers, and researchers from around the world.

At the Department of Health Sciences, we work to increase knowledge about how people can regain and maintain their health. We educate the future care and rehabilitation personnel across all categories at the undergraduate, advanced, and doctoral levels. We conduct research on issues related to people's health: prevention, treatment, care, support, and rehabilitation. The activities are located in both Malmö and Lund and have a close connection to healthcare within Skåne University Hospital, primary care, and municipal care.

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