Vacant job

Do you want to contribute to high-quality medical research?

The ESSI research group investigates transdiagnostic problematic behaviors in adolescents and young adults, such as self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and aggression. The group currently runs three large randomized controlled trials, as well as several epidemiological and experimental studies investigating the mechanisms behind self-harm. The ESSI research group is part of the Center for Psychiatric Research – a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Region Stockholm, with offices near Torsplan / KI Campus Solna.

We are now looking for a research assistant for a project lasting two to six months.

Your role

One of our areas of interest is person-specific "symptom networks," which is a quantitative and systemic way to understand psychopathology. Published studies using such networks to identify treatment targets have often relied on symptom/node centrality (e.g., out-degree). We are now seeking a research assistant interested in alternative ways to analyze networks that take more of the network structure into account. The group has access to already collected data consisting of person-specific networks created with PECAN (Perceived Causal Networks).

The purpose of the project is to develop and evaluate such alternative analyses. Examples of evaluation criteria include how understandable the results are for patients, how well they align with clinical assessments, and whether they are consistent with theoretical principles within network analysis. You are expected to come up with ideas for analyses and how they should be evaluated, discuss these constructively within the research group, and conduct the analyses independently. The goal is for the two-month project to lead to either a submitted conference presentation or a method that can be used in future publishable intervention studies, with the possibility of co-authorship. There are also plans to advertise a doctoral position within the project in the autumn of 2026.

The role involves both on-site and remote work, with at least half of the working hours performed on-site. Exact dates can be planned flexibly.

Who are you?

We are looking for someone who is curious, analytical, intellectually flexible, and able to work independently, while also contributing constructively to discussions with others. You work in a structured manner, have good judgment, and can communicate complex ideas clearly to both research and clinical audiences. Great importance will be placed on personal suitability.

The following are requirements for the position:

• Documented academic education, thesis, and/or publications related to the network perspective in psychopathology, structured case conceptualizations, complexity theory, or data-driven systemic approaches in psychiatry.
• A Master's degree in a relevant field, such as psychology, medicine, behavioral science, or a related subject, completed no later than the final application date (August 9, 2026).
• Documented skills in R.
• Very good ability to express yourself in English, both orally and in writing.

The following are meritorious qualifications:

• A master's thesis involving network analysis or a structured method for case conceptualization, empirically and/or theoretically.
• Clinical and/or research experience working with adolescents or young adults.
• Experience collecting person-centered research data, for example through interviews, ecological momentary assessment (EMA), or single-case experimental designs (SCED).
• Experience recruiting participants for research studies, for example through advertising, screening, or similar.

What do we offer?

A creative, international, and inspiring environment filled with competence and curiosity. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to drive the development of knowledge about life and work for better health for all. Here we conduct successful medical research and offer the widest range of medical education in Sweden. As a university, Karolinska Institutet is a government agency. This means you receive good benefits through our collective agreement. Employees at KI are also offered the opportunity for a flexible working arrangement. This means that if the operations you work in allow it, you can work part of your working time remotely. You also get free access to train in our modern fitness facilities where trained staff are on site.

Location: Norrtull, Stockholm

Read more about the research group you will join

Ten reasons to choose Karolinska Institutet

Application

Applications must be submitted via the recruitment system Varbi. In this recruitment, you apply with your CV without a cover letter. In the application form, you will instead be asked to answer a few questions about why you are applying for the job.

It is possible to update your application until the final application date. Therefore, it is fine to submit your application now if you plan to complete your master's degree by the final application date, and then update your application when you have received your degree certificate.

Want to make a difference – and contribute to better health for all? Apply for a job with us