PhD student in amputation, prosthetics and rehabilitation

Centrum för forsknings- och bioetik (CRB) is an interdisciplinary center located at the Department of Population Health Sciences and Caring Sciences at Uppsala universitet. The center's researchers have degrees in, among others, medicine and care, ethics, philosophy, and law, and work to investigate ethical, philosophical, and legal aspects of biomedical research and clinical practice.

Tasks

We are seeking a PhD student to empirically investigate patients' experiences, preferences, and values regarding what constitutes valuable rehabilitation after amputation. The PhD student will primarily conduct international preference studies using the Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) method to map how patients value different aspects of rehabilitation, such as access to care, waiting times, prosthetic properties, independence, participation, and quality of life, as well as how these preferences vary between different groups and healthcare systems.

This is an interdisciplinary project within the EU-funded project ThRIVE, where the PhD student will become part of an international research team with expertise in ethics, rehabilitation, orthotics, biomechanics, health economics, and preference research. The project is closely integrated with international research networks and offers good opportunities to establish a strong international research network.

The work will include data management and statistical analyses in RStudio, as well as the development of DCE designs using tools such as Ngene and Sawtooth.

The project is located at Centrum för forsknings- & bioetik (CRB) at the Department of Population Health Sciences and Caring Sciences, Uppsala universitet. Read more about the project here: stort-internationellt-projekt-ska-forbattra-for-amputerade

Qualification requirements

The applicant is eligible if they have completed a degree at an advanced level in orthotics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, health sciences, public health, health economics, or another subject relevant to the project, or have completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at an advanced level including an independent project of at least 15 higher education credits in one of the above or another relevant field, or have otherwise acquired knowledge mainly corresponding to these.

Good knowledge of English, both spoken and written, is a requirement.

Read more about doctoral education, eligibility requirements, and admission regulations here: vetenskapsomrade/medicin-och-farmaci/utbildning-och-undervisning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva

Desirable/merit

We welcome applicants who either have a background in orthotics or rehabilitation and want to develop competence in DCE methodology, or applicants with experience in DCE and preference research who want to deepen their knowledge in amputation, prosthetic provision, and rehabilitation. We are looking for a person who likes to take initiative and has the ability to solve problems and work in a structured and quality-conscious manner. Experience using RStudio is an advantage. The PhD student will work in a multidisciplinary environment where people with different qualifications and competencies collaborate to conduct innovative research.

Provisions for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen) Chapter 5, Sections 1-7, as well as in the university's rules and guidelines.

Application:

Your application should include a personal letter, CV, copies of degree certificates and transcripts, thesis, and any previous publications (e.g., C- or D-thesis). In the personal letter, you should describe: (1) your experience of scientific work, (2) why you want to undergo doctoral education, (3) your experience with the statistical program RStudio, and (4) your background in prosthetics and rehabilitation and/or experience in preference research and Discrete Choice Experiments (DCE). Also describe how your previous experiences can contribute to the project and how you would like to develop and put your own stamp on the doctoral project beyond the DCE study described above under Tasks.

Selection process:

Selection of applicants is based on the following criteria: fulfillment of qualification and eligibility requirements as well as previous experience of work and/or research in related areas. Selection of applicants is made by the supervisors in consultation with the department's doctoral education group. The faculty's doctoral education committee appoints the PhD student. In this recruitment, the university will primarily consider the person who, after a holistic assessment of qualifications and competence, is judged to have the best conditions to carry out and develop the current tasks.

About the employment

The employment is time-limited, for a four-year period, according to HF Chapter 5, Section 7. The extent is full-time. Commencement 2027-01-01 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala.

Information about the employment is provided by: Jennifer Viberg Johansson, +46 18 471 62 81, jennifer.viberg-johansson@uu.se

Welcome with your application no later than October 21, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2802.

Uppsala universitet is a broad research university with a strong international position. 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 commitment, make Uppsala universitet one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

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

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

The employment may be subject to security clearance. In the case of security clearance, approval of the applicant is a prerequisite for employment.

We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala universitet's recruitment system.

Trade union representatives: Saco-S - saco-s@uu.se, Seko - seko@uadm.uu.se, ST (OFR/S) - ofr@uu.se </body>