Do you want to contribute to medical research of the highest quality?
The ESSI research group investigates transdiagnostic problematic behaviors in adolescents and young adults, such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, and aggression. The group currently conducts three large randomized controlled trials, as well as several epidemiological and experimental studies examining mechanisms underlying self-harm. The ESSI research group is part of the Center for Psychiatry Research—a collaboration between Karolinska Institute and Region Stockholm, with offices near Torsplan / KI Campus Solna.
We are now seeking a research assistant for a project lasting two to six months.
Your Role
One of our areas of interest is person-specific "symptom networks," that is, a quantitative and systemic way of understanding psychopathology. Published studies that have used such networks to identify treatment targets have often been based on symptom/node centrality (e.g., out-degree). We are now seeking a research assistant with an interest in alternative ways to analyze networks that take into account more of a network's structure. The group has access to already collected data consisting of person-specific networks created with PECAN (Perceived Causal Networks).
The project's purpose is to develop and evaluate such alternative analyses. Examples of evaluation criteria are how comprehensible the results are to patients, how well they align with, for example, clinician assessments, and whether they are consistent with theoretical principles in network analysis. You are expected to generate ideas for analyses and how they should be evaluated, discuss these constructively within the research group, and conduct 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 announce a doctoral position within the project in fall 2026.
The role involves both on-site and remote work, with at least half of the working time performed on-site. Exact dates can be arranged flexibly.
Who Are You?
We seek someone who is curious, analytical, intellectually flexible, and able to work independently, while contributing constructively to discussions with others. You work in a structured manner, have sound judgment, and can communicate complex ideas clearly to both research and clinical audiences. Great emphasis will be placed on personal fit.
The following are requirements for the position:
Documented academic education, thesis work, and/or publications related to the network perspective within psychopathology, structured case conceptualizations, complexity theory, or data-driven systemic approaches in psychiatry.
Master's degree in a relevant field, such as psychology, medicine, behavioral science, or related subject, completed by the final application deadline (August 9, 2026).
Documented knowledge of R.
Very strong ability to express yourself in English, both spoken and written.
It is advantageous if you also have:
A master's thesis that encompasses network analysis or a structured method for case conceptualization, empirical and/or theoretical.
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 expertise and curiosity. Karolinska Institute is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to advance knowledge about life and promote better health for all. We conduct successful medical research and offer the largest range of medical education in Sweden. As a university, Karolinska Institute is a state authority. This means you receive good benefits through our collective agreement. Employees at KI are also offered the opportunity for flexible working arrangements. This means that if the activities you work in allow it, you can work part of your time remotely. You also have free access to our modern fitness facilities with trained staff on-site.
Location: Norrtull, Stockholm
Learn more about the research group you will join in
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Application
Applications should be submitted through the recruitment system Varbi. In this recruitment, you apply with your CV without a cover letter. In the application form, you will instead answer a few questions about why you are applying for the job.
It is possible to update your application until the final application deadline. Therefore, it is fine to submit your application now if you plan to complete your master's education by the final application deadline, and then update your application when you have received your degree.
Do you want to make a difference—and contribute to better health for all? Apply for a job with usDo you want to contribute to medical research of the highest quality?
The ESSI research group investigates transdiagnostic problematic behaviors in adolescents and young adults, such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, and aggression. The group currently conducts three large randomized controlled trials, as well as several epidemiological and experimental studies examining mechanisms underlying self-harm. The ESSI research group is part of the Center for Psychiatry Research—a collaboration between Karolinska Institute and Region Stockholm, with offices near Torsplan / KI Campus Solna.
We are now…