Doctoral position in Brain Imaging and Dementia

To be a doctoral student means to devote oneself to a research project under supervision of experienced researchers and following an individual study plan. For a doctoral degree, the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education is required.

The project will take place within the Westman neuroimaging group (https://ki.se/en/nvs/westman-neuroimaging-group ) at the Division of Clinical Geriatrics (NVS), located in the Neo building at KI Campus Flemingsberg. The group has a particular focus on different imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) and its applications in neurodegenerative disorders. The current doctoral project will be led by Assistant Professor Rosaleena Mohanty (main supervisor, https://ki.se/en/people/rosaleena-mohanty ). The work will be conducted in close collaboration with senior postdoctoral researcher Anna Marseglia (https://ki.se/en/people/anna-marseglia ) and Professor Eric Westman (https://ki.se/en/people/eric-westman ) who will serve as co-supervisors for the selected candidate.

The complexity and heterogeneity of Alzheimer disease (AD) are not fully understood. One missing link is that the contribution of comorbid pathologies (e.g., vascular pathology) in addition to core AD pathology is not well characterized. Considering the upcoming new disease-modifying treatments for AD, it is crucial to account for comorbid pathologies to accurately identify the trial population, maximizing and optimizing the potential benefits from such treatments. Thus, the main aim of this doctoral project is to disentangle the interplay between core and comorbid pathologies driving the heterogeneity in AD. Planned studies will elucidate various brain mechanisms through which comorbid pathologies contribute to brain degeneration in AD. The PhD student will learn to use advanced brain imaging techniques and statistical models to investigate brain pathologies, biomarkers, and clinical symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Within the framework of doctoral education, data from both Karolinska University Hospital and from international cohorts will be used. The PhD student will work both independently in his project and in close collaboration with main supervisor, the co-supervisors and with the rest of the research group. Course participation, attend seminars and conferences as well as presenting their scientific results orally and in writing are included in the education.

A creative and inspiring environment full of expertise and curiosity. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. As a doctoral student you are offered an individual research project, a well-educated supervisor, a vast range of elective courses and the opportunity to work in a leading research group. Karolinska Institutet collaborates with prominent universities from all around the world, which ensures opportunities for international exchanges. You will be employed on a doctoral studentship which means that you receive a contractual salary. Employees also have access to our modern gym for free and receive reimbursements for medical care.

In order to participate in the selection for a doctoral position, you must meet the following general (A) and specific (B) eligibility requirements at latest by the application deadline.

It is your responsibility to certify eligibility by following the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

A) General eligibility requirement

You meet the general eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

Follow the instructions on the web page Entry requirements (eligibility) for doctoral education.

*If you claim equivalent knowledge, follow the instructions on the web page Assessing equivalent knowledge for general eligibility for doctoral education.

B) Specific eligibility requirement

You meet the specific eligibility requirement for doctoral/third-cycle/PhD education if you:

- Show proficiency in English equivalent to the course English B/English 6 at Swedish upper secondary school.

Follow the instructions on the web page English language requirements for doctoral education.

Verification of your documents Karolinska Institutet checks the authenticity of your documents. Karolinska Institutet reserves the right to revoke admission if supporting documents are discovered to be fraudulent. Submission of false documents is a violation of Swedish law and is considered grounds for legal action.

(A) and (B)can only be certified by the documentation requirement for doctoral education .

We are looking for an open and outgoing person, who likes to work independently and drive her/his research project forward as well as collaborate in a multidisciplinary research group.

Required

• A degree or the equivalent in statistics, engineering, bioinformatics, computer science, or a related quantitative field
• Excellent knowledge of the English language
• Knowledge of data analysis and programming (R and Python etc.)
• Experience in brain imaging                  

Desirable merits include previous experience in brain imaging methods such as MRI, DTI, ASL and dementia research.

Terms and conditions

The doctoral student will be employed on a doctoral studentship maximum 4 years full-time.

Submit your application and supporting documents through the Varbi recruitment system. Use the button in the top right corner and follow the instructions. We prefer that your application is written in English, but you can also apply in Swedish.

Your application must contain the following documents:

- A personal letter and a curriculum vitae
- Degree projects and previous publications, if any
- Any other documentation showing the desirable skills and personal qualities described above
- Documents certifying your general eligibility (see A above)
- Documents certifying your specific eligibility (see B above)

A selection will be made among eligible applicants on the basis of the ability to benefit from doctoral education. The qualifications of the applicants will be evaluated on an overall basis.

Karolinska Institutet uses the following bases of assessment:

- Documented subject knowledge of relevance to the area of research
- Analytical skill
- Other documented knowledge or experience that may be relevant to doctoral studies in the subject.

All applicants will be informed when the recruitment is completed.

https://ki.se/en/nvs/division-of-clinical-geriatrics