PhD Student in Psychology (Stockholm University)

The Department of Psychology at Stockholm University is a creative and international environment for research and education. We conduct research across multiple areas, including occupational and organisational psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, psychophysics, personality and social psychology, developmental psychology, psychobiology, and epidemiology. Our researchers publish widely in international journals, collaborate with external organisations, and regularly host international students and visiting researchers. The Department offers access to modern research infrastructure, such as a recording studio, advanced laboratories for sleep and sensory research, and large databases for longitudinal studies. We also collaborate with the Stockholm University Brain Imaging Centre, which provides MRI, EEG, and TMS facilities. [More about the Department of Psychology →] Project Description This 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 (PI: Dr Olga Perski). The project uses ecological momentary assessment (EMA) combined with passive sensing from smartphones and smartwatches (e.g., geolocation, heart rate variability) to investigate when, where, and how to intervene to support individuals in quitting harmful addictive behaviours. Two PhD students will be recruited: PhD (A): Focus on the psychological investigation of dynamic processes PhD (B): Focus on mathematical modelling and simulations This advertisement concerns PhD (A). The student will develop novel measurement tools (“micro-EMAs”) for smartwatch delivery and a behavioural task for smartphone delivery, conduct online and laboratory experiments, and lead an intensive longitudinal study involving individuals with hazardous alcohol consumption, heavy cannabis use, or problem gambling. The doctoral student will collaborate closely with the PI, the second PhD student (mathematical modelling), a research assistant, and a postdoctoral researcher, and will be supported by an international advisory board. The project provides opportunities for international conference travel, research visits, and summer schools. Qualifications General entry requirements (must be met by the application deadline): Completed a second-cycle degree (Master’s level), or Completed courses equivalent to 240 ECTS credits, including at least 60 ECTS at the second-cycle level, or equivalent qualifications obtained in Sweden or abroad. Specific entry requirements in Psychology: At least 90 ECTS in Psychology or a relevant discipline (undergraduate and/or graduate), of which at least 15 ECTS must consist of independent work (e.g., thesis/publication). Ability to engage with English-language scientific literature. [See the General Syllabus for Third-Cycle (Doctoral) Studies in Psychology →] Selection Criteria Assessment will focus on the applicant’s ability to benefit from doctoral training, based on: Academic merits, particularly the submitted thesis/publication. Educational and professional qualifications, including publications (CV). Additional valued qualifications: Interest in addiction research and digital interventions (e.g., just-in-time adaptive interventions). Experience with data collection, participant interaction, and quantitative methods. Coding skills in R (data wrangling, statistical analysis). Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international team. Excellent spoken and written English. Terms of Employment Type: Temporary, doctoral student employment (full-time, 100%) Duration: Four years (full-time doctoral education). Initial employment is for one year, renewable for up to two years at a time. Start date: 1 January 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. Salary: Fixed, according to Stockholm University regulations. Reference number: SU FV-3326-25 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Doctoral students are expected to devote themselves primarily to their education, though up to 20% of duties may involve teaching, research, or administration. Stockholm University is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all. Application Procedure Apply via Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Applications must include: A personal letter (motivation and suitability) Curriculum Vitae (CV) Thesis/publication and other requested attachments Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application is complete and submitted before the deadline. Application deadline: 3 November 2025 Published: 22 September 2025 [How to apply for a position →] Contact PI: Dr Olga Perski — olga.perski@su.se Director of Studies: Mats Nilsson — mats.nilsson@psychology.su.se \| Tel: +46 8 16 4605 Union representatives: ST/OFR: st@st.su.se Saco-S: saco@saco.su.se Seko: seko@seko.su.se If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Psychoneuroxy

The Department of Psychology at Stockholm University is a creative and international environment for research and education. We conduct research across multiple areas, including occupational and organisational psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, psychophysics, personality and social psychology, developmental psychology, psychobiology, and epidemiology.

Our researchers publish widely in international journals, collaborate with external organisations, and regularly host international students and visiting researchers. The Department offers access to modern research infrastructure, such as a recording studio, advanced laboratories for sleep and sensory research, and large databases for longitudinal studies. We also collaborate with the Stockholm University Brain Imaging Centre, which provides MRI, EEG, and TMS facilities.

[More about the Department of Psychology →]

Project Description

This 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 (PI: Dr Olga Perski).

The project uses ecological momentary assessment (EMA) combined with passive sensing from smartphones and smartwatches (e.g., geolocation, heart rate variability) to investigate when, where, and how to intervene to support individuals in quitting harmful addictive behaviours. Two PhD students will be recruited:

PhD (A): Focus on the psychological investigation of dynamic processes
PhD (B): Focus on mathematical modelling and simulations

This advertisement concerns PhD (A).

The student will develop novel measurement tools (“micro-EMAs”) for smartwatch delivery and a behavioural task for smartphone delivery, conduct online and laboratory experiments, and lead an intensive longitudinal study involving individuals with hazardous alcohol consumption, heavy cannabis use, or problem gambling.

The doctoral student will collaborate closely with the PI, the second PhD student (mathematical modelling), a research assistant, and a postdoctoral researcher, and will be supported by an international advisory board. The project provides opportunities for international conference travel, research visits, and summer schools.

Qualifications

General entry requirements (must be met by the application deadline):

Completed a second-cycle degree (Master’s level), or
Completed courses equivalent to 240 ECTS credits, including at least 60 ECTS at the second-cycle level, or equivalent qualifications obtained in Sweden or abroad.

Specific entry requirements in Psychology:

At least 90 ECTS in Psychology or a relevant discipline (undergraduate and/or graduate), of which at least 15 ECTS must consist of independent work (e.g., thesis/publication).
Ability to engage with English-language scientific literature.

[See the General Syllabus for Third-Cycle (Doctoral) Studies in Psychology →]

Selection Criteria

Assessment will focus on the applicant’s ability to benefit from doctoral training, based on:

Academic merits, particularly the submitted thesis/publication.
Educational and professional qualifications, including publications (CV).

Additional valued qualifications:

Interest in addiction research and digital interventions (e.g., just-in-time adaptive interventions).
Experience with data collection, participant interaction, and quantitative methods.
Coding skills in R (data wrangling, statistical analysis).
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international team.
Excellent spoken and written English.

Terms of Employment

Type: Temporary, doctoral student employment (full-time, 100%)
Duration: Four years (full-time doctoral education). Initial employment is for one year, renewable for up to two years at a time.
Start date: 1 January 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Salary: Fixed, according to Stockholm University regulations.
Reference number: SU FV-3326-25
Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Doctoral students are expected to devote themselves primarily to their education, though up to 20% of duties may involve teaching, research, or administration.

Stockholm University is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.