Doctoral student in Medical Science, Clinical Oral Physiology and gender - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

A doctoral student position in a research project focusing on gender-related aspects of pain perception and pain reporting. The project is a collaboration between the Department of Odontology and The Graduate School of Gender Studies at the Umeå Center for Gender Studies, at Umeå University. Interest in gender aspects and experience of working with patients with chronic pain is a requirement. We offer four years of full-time employment. Apply no later than 2023-02-20.

Chronic pain is a challenge for the individual, for healthcare and for the society. Chronic pain in the orofacial region is usually related to the jaw joint or the jaw muscles and embraced by the term temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The prevalence of TMD is high and women report TMD pain about twice as often when compared to men. The reasons for gender differences related to pain perception and pain reporting is however not known. Our research group is interested in applying a gender perspective on pain perception and pain reporting in relation to the identified gender differences in TMD. Primarily, we want to focus on how gender aspects can give rise to differences in pain experiences in a clinical context, since diagnostics takes place through pain provocation carried out by the clinician and pain reporting from the patient. If gender aspects influence pain reporting during diagnostics, the accepted methods of diagnostics are not as reliable as previous data have indicated. Consequently, this can affect clinical decision-making and prognosis for large groups of individuals.

The doctoral position is part of a research project at the Department of Odontology that aims to investigate factors that influence pain perception and pain reporting. The present doctoral project is mainly based on upcoming experimental studies. The doctoral student will also have the opportunity to develop the research questions further within the framework of the project.

We are looking for a committed and creative doctoral student with high motivation for research studies and the ability to work independently. Interests in patients with chronic pain and gender aspects are a necessity. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability. This announcement refers to full-time employment as a doctoral student for 4 years. For this employment, you are expected to carry out the main part of your work at the department of odontology. You are also expected to take part of activities organized by the The Graduate School of Gender Studies, starting on the 1st of September 2023.

Qualifications

Application is open to all applicants that meet the requirements for eligibility i.e., who has completed a degree at advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at advanced level, or in some other way within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge. To be admitted to a graduate level training in clinical oral physiology, completion of undergraduate courses included in the curriculum for Dental schools in Sweden in clinical oral physiology or equivalent is required. Applicants should be able to express themselves well orally and in writing in both Swedish and English. Knowledge of gender research is meritorious.

Application 

To be done via the e-recruitment system Varbi, which you can find on the university's page for Vacancies. The application procedure opens on 13 January 2023. https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-jobb/

A complete application must include: 

1. A personal letter summarizing your scientific interest and justifying why you are applying for the position (max. 2 pages)
2. CV/résumé 
3. A short outline (max. 2 pages) in which you give a description of your research interest in relation to both the research project and gender aspects
4. Degree certificate 
5. Essays/other publications 
6. Any other qualifications with relevance for employment
7. Contact details for two reference persons. 

Please note that incomplete applications will not be processed. 

Further information is provided by Associate Professor Anna Lövgren, anna.lovgren@umu.se , 070-310 32 14.

Salary placement takes place according to the established salary scale for doctoral positions. 

Union information is provided by SACO, 090-786 53 65, SEKO civil, 090-786 52 96 and ST, 090-786 54 31. 

Welcome with your application no later than 2023-02-20! 

About the Department of Odontology: 

The department offers basic education, separate courses for continued education, and postgraduate research studies in odontology. The researchers at the department carry out research in odontology as well as in several related medical conditions and multiple scientific disciplines.

About The Graduate School of Gender Studies: 

Since 2001, The Graduate School of Gender Studies has co-financed doctoral students at all Umeå University faculties. A doctoral student in collaboration with the gender research takes part in a unique and dynamic doctoral education environment, in which approx. 30 active doctoral students currently participate. For more information about The Graduate School of Gender Studies, see: https://www.umu.se/en/umea-centre-for-gender-studies/doctoral-studies/