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Project description The doctoral position is part of the 5-year project “Time Matters: Uncovering dynamic mechanisms and optimising the intervention timing across the addictions”, funded by a 2025 European Research Council Starting Grant. The project is led by Dr Olga Perski as the Principal Investigator (PI). The project combines “ecological momentary assessment” (EMA) with passive sensing via smartphones and smartwatches (e.g., geolocation, heart rate variability) to examine when, where and how to intervene for each person, with a view to better supporting people to quit harmful addictive behaviours. The project will recruit two doctoral students who will contribute to different aspects of the research; PhD employment A) the psychological investigation of dynamic processes and PhD employment B) mathematical modelling and computer simulations. The doctoral student specialising in the mathematical modelling and simulation of dynamic processes will focus on the development of a dynamical systems model of relapse risk in the addictions. The work will also include conducting an intensive, longitudinal study with individuals with hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption, heavy cannabis use, or problem gambling and validation of the dynamical systems model against empirical data. The doctoral student will work closely with the PI, a PhD student specialising in the psychological investigation of dynamic processes, a research assistant, and a postdoctoral researcher. The project is supported by an international advisory board. The project includes opportunities for international conference travel, research visits at other universities, and participation in summer schools. We are looking for a motivated and committed individual with an interest in the mathematical modelling of social and psychological processes (particularly dynamical systems modelling). The candidate should have a high degree of independence but should also demonstrate a collaborative approach to research and be able to work productively within a larger team. Previous experience with mathematical modelling (e.g., agent-based modelling, Markov chains or ordinary differential equations), data science and coding in R, MATLAB or Python is an advantage. As the candidate will be part of an international team, excellent English language skills (written and spoken) is a requirement. Qualification requirements In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications. You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree (master’s level), or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere. You meet specific entry requirements for doctoral studies in psychology if you have completed courses equivalent to at least 90 credits at undergraduate or graduate level in psychology or another scientific discipline relevant to the dissertation topic, of which at least 15 credits must consist of independent work (thesis/publication), or equivalent knowledge acquired in another way. The applicant must be able to engage with scientific literature written in English. Selection In the selection process, consideration will be given to previous academic merits, and an assessment will be made of the applicant’s ability to benefit from the doctoral training programme. The main basis for this assessment is:
About the employment We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20%). A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. Requested starting date: 1 January 2026, or as soon as possible after that. Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all. Contact For more information, please contact the PI: General information about the Department of Psychology and the application to the doctoral training programme is provided by the Director of Studies: Application Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. Type of employment: Temporary position Union representatives
Published: 22 September 2025
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