Staff scientist in cognitive neuroscience of aging with focus on structural and functional connectome

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Staff scientist in cognitive neuroscience of aging – with focus on structural and functional connectome 

The Department of Medical and Translational Biology at Umeå University announces a post as Staff Scientist in cognitive neuroscience of aging with focus on structural and functional connectome. MTB offers an active and creative research and educational environment for both employees and students. More information about the department can be found on our website Department of Medical translational biology (umu.se). 

The current position is in Alireza Salami’s research group at the Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine (WCMM; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging (Umeå center for Functional Brain Imaging (umu.se). UCMM conducts research in various research arena including cancer, infectious diseases, and nervous system disease. 

Description of the project 

The project investigates brain basis of cognitive decline in aging using longitudinal datasets. This project will use a unique longitudinal dataset with extensive MRI, cognitive test battery.  The incumbent is expected to contribute to analyzing neuroimaging data from the DyNAMiC project, with the particular focus of functional connectivity (during rest and naturalistic viewing) and dopamine D1 receptor system. Moreover, the candidate will contribute to ongoing project from the national E-infrastructure for Aging research (NEAR), in which the main aim is to develop a global brain metric, from various structural MRI datasets, that can be related to cognitive decline in aging.

The applicant should be able to work both independently and as part of the research group. 

Qualifications 

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with hands on experience with the latest MRI techniques for studying brain connectome. 

The applicant is required to: 

• Have a PhD degree in Cognitive Neuroscience, or another area closely related to the current project.
• Have experience in neuroimaging, particularly functional and structural modalities, particularly with resting-state and naturalistic-viewing paradigm.  The applicant with documentation of such an experience via a published paper(s) will be given priority.
• Is capable in statistics and communication in written and spoken scientific English.

Emphasis will also be placed on the applicant's suitability for the current project and ability to collaborate. 

Application and conditions 

The employment is valid for 4 months. starting march 2024, or as otherwise agreed. Your application can be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. Application deadline is February 14th. The application should include: 

• A brief cover letter (about one page) describing the applicant's research experience, research interest and suitability for the project.
• Curriculum vitae which includes degrees, positions, list of publications, as well as names and contact information for two references.

Information 

For more information, contact Associate professor Alireza Salami, [email protected], Department of Medical and Translational Biology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå.