PhD Candidate in Gerontology, Medical Science and Health Science

Lunds Universitet · plný úvazek

Sölvegatan 19, Lund, Švédsko

Workplace Description The research group conducts interdisciplinary research with a focus on aging and health. The group is affiliated with the Centre for Aging and Supportive Environments (CASE), coordinates the Swedish national research school on aging and health (SWEAH), and is engaged in the university's strategic focus area Proactive Aging. We are seeking a PhD candidate in gerontology with a focus on medical science and health science. Candidates called for interview may be asked to perform tests to demonstrate basic competence for the position. Start November 1. Research Project Description AI is rapidly transforming home care for older adults. Automation tools such as social robots, chatbots, sensor systems, and automated documentation and scheduling are expected to increase efficiency, support independent living, and ease the burden on care systems. At the same time, these technologies may change what counts as "care," who is included or excluded from care, how risks and responsibilities are distributed among older adults, care workers, organizations, and technology providers, and may impact social inequalities and human vulnerability. The PhD position is part of the Nordic-Baltic collaborative project "AI for Mindful Care and Ageing" (AMICA), which examines how vulnerability is constructed, negotiated, and practiced within AI-automated home care for older adults. The project's overarching goals are to: (1) create empirical knowledge about how AI changes experiences of care, care work, inequality, and welfare systems, (2) develop theoretical understanding of how vulnerability is shaped by social identities, life histories, and structural conditions, and (3) 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 science, gerontology, and science and technology studies (STS). The PhD candidate will focus on AI-based solutions in Swedish home care and conduct cross-country comparisons in collaboration with researchers and PhD candidates at partner universities in Norway, Finland, and Estonia. Duties and Responsibilities A number of mandatory courses and several elective courses in the field are included. With support from the main supervisor and co-supervisor, the PhD candidate is expected to: map and analyze policy and organizational materials relating to AI in home care plan and conduct qualitative data collection with older adults, care workers, 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-country 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 strategic focus area Proactive Aging contribute to AMICA project meetings and collaborative activities with older adults, care workers, 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. Additional duties (maximum 20%) may be assigned. Qualifications Requirements: good knowledge of Swedish and English, both spoken and written good computer skills experience of collaboration in interdisciplinary and international research groups. Advanced degree (at least 240 higher education credits) of which at least 60 higher education credits are within medical science Personal Suitability Meritorious: experience using qualitative research methods experience collaborating in interdisciplinary and international research groups experience working with or conducting research on older adults experience with research or development projects involving digital technology What We Offer Lund University is a state authority, which means you receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favorable occupational pension. Read more on the university's website. About the Employment The employment is a fixed-term position on a full-time basis, starting as soon as possible by agreement. Doctoral education is four years with full-time studies. Provisions governing employment as a PhD candidate are found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7. Read more about employment terms for PhD candidates on Lund University's staff web. How to Apply The position is advertised through the university's recruitment system. Your application should include a personal motivation letter (in English) describing how you meet the eligibility requirements and why you are interested in the position. Your application should also include relevant degree certificates, CV or equivalent, contact information for two references, and a written sample (essay) of no more than 10 pages. The Faculty of Medicine is an operational area within Lund University, responsible for education and research in medicine, care, and health. Education takes place in close collaboration with the healthcare service and is well-grounded in the faculty's strong research tradition. The faculty's research spans a broad field of experimental basic research, patient-centered clinical research, and health science research. The Faculty of Medicine, with over 1,800 employees and 3,000 students in Lund, Malmö, and Helsingborg. At the Department of Health Sciences, we work to increase knowledge about how people can regain and maintain their health. We educate future care and rehabilitation professionals at all levels—basic, advanced, and doctoral education. We conduct research on matters related to people's health: prevention, treatment, care, support, and rehabilitation. Our activities are located in both Malmö and Lund and are closely connected to healthcare within Skåne University Hospital, primary care, and municipal care. We decline all contact from advertising sales, recruitment, and staffing companies due to government procurement regulations.