Vacant job

The Centre for Health Economics Research (HEFUU) at Uppsala University is seeking a PhD student. HEFUU is an interdisciplinary research centre focused on efficient resource utilization in healthcare and the improvement of public health. The centre is a collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy and the Faculty of Social Sciences, building on an interdisciplinary perspective to combine various competencies. The ambition is to break new ground within the centre's research areas.

Project Description

This PhD position is part of HEPARD (Health Economic Policy Advice with Real-World Data), a Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) funded European doctoral network, which brings together leading institutions to train a new generation of researchers in health economics with a focus on causal inference and the analysis of large-scale administrative and observational data. The cross-institutional collaboration aims to equip them with solid theoretical foundations, advanced empirical methods, and experience in interdisciplinary collaboration.

We are looking for a PhD student who:

• wishes to contribute to a greater understanding of patients' treatment goals and how these change in tandem with disease progression; and
• wishes to investigate the value of supporting patients in communicating their treatment goals to healthcare providers, both regarding satisfaction with treatment and adherence to it.

To achieve this, you will work with both qualitative and quantitative methods.

You will further develop an instrument we have created to measure how patients value different treatment options by capturing their trade-offs between life expectancy and quality of life. Subsequently, you will validate the instrument together with patients to ensure that it actually measures the preferences it is intended to capture. Once the instrument has been validated, you will use it to study patients' preferences in general, and specifically how these are affected by disease-related symptoms and treatment-related side effects. You will also investigate how the use of the instrument affects patients' satisfaction with treatment and their adherence to it.

Responsibilities

You will primarily engage in doctoral studies and independent research within the HEPARD project, as well as actively participate in HEPARD's structured interdisciplinary training program. The training includes dissemination of research results through presentations, scientific publications, and policy-relevant communication. You will become part of HEFUU at Uppsala University and contribute to its academic environment and goals. Teaching or other institutional duties may be included, up to a maximum of 20 percent of full-time employment.

Qualifications

Eligibility for postgraduate studies in this field requires that the candidate:

• has completed a master's degree in health economics, economics, statistics, public health, or medical science, or
• has completed at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 at advanced level, including an independent project of at least 15 credits in the aforementioned subjects, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.
• meets the MSCA mobility rule: the candidate must not have been resident or had their main employment (work or studies) in Sweden for more than 12 months during the 36 months preceding the date of employment. Exceptions apply only for mandatory national service or recognized refugee status under the Geneva Convention.
• does not already hold a doctoral degree.

Additionally, the applicant must demonstrate:

• excellent skills in English, both oral and written (equivalent to 3 years of upper secondary school competence)
• good knowledge of Swedish, Norwegian, or Danish.
• good teamwork skills and the ability to work independently
• strong analytical skills, independence, and flexibility

Personal qualities such as intellectual curiosity, analytical precision, responsibility, teamwork, initiative, flexibility, and the ability to analyze data independently are given great weight.

Rules for doctoral students are found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§ 1–7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

Merits

Competence in microdata econometric methods and health economic or economic analysis, as well as experience working with quantitative and qualitative data, is meritorious.

Terms of Employment

The employment is fixed-term, according to HE Ordinance Chapter 5 Section 7. The position is full-time. Start date: June 15, 2026, or by agreement. Location: Uppsala, with the workplace at the Centre for Health Economics Research premises.

Information about the position is provided by: Associate Professor Sophie Langenskiöld, +46 70 939 3733, [email protected].

Please submit your application by June 8, 2026, Ref: UFV-PA 2026/1733

Uppsala University is a broad research university with strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and engagement, make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/)

The employment may be subject to a security clearance. In the event of a security clearance, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved.

We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Union Representatives: Saco-S - [email protected], Seko - [email protected], ST (OFR/S) - [email protected]