PhD position in Medical Science with orientation towards Cognitive Neuroscience

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.

PhD position in Medical Science with orientation towards Cognitive Neuroscience

 We are looking for a PhD student in Medical Science with an orientation towards Cognitive Neuroscience. The position is at the Department of Medical and Translational Biology at Umeå University and is temporary for four years to start during April 1st 2024 or as agreed.

The PhD student will participate in activities provided by the Department of Medical and Translational Biology, thus providing interaction with researchers from different research fields and access to various scientific and technical expertise. More information about the doctoral education program, which all PhD students attend, at the Faculty of Medicine can be found at

https://www.aurora.umu.se/en/organisation-and-management/organisation/faculties/faculty-of-medicine/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/

Description of the PhD project

As we age, our cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention and language skills decline; but the degree of decline varies substantially between individuals. The project will study potential blood-based biomarkers for cognitive aging, that is, measurements in blood that can potentially predict the aging-related cognitive decline of individuals, as well as their risk for neurocognitive disorders such as dementia. Such biomarkers are important for future individualized prevention and treatment of aging-related neurocognitive declines. A large focus for the project will be statistical analyses of protein levels in blood, including descriptions of how these levels change with aging, and are associated with cognitive changes, brain aging, and development of neurodegenerative disorders.

The project will be based mainly on existing data from a prominent longitudinal aging study, the Betula project, but data from other openly available databases may also be used. The PhD candidate will handle, prepare, and statistically analyse large quantities of data on blood markers, cognitive test performance, health- and lifestyle factors, as well as brain imaging. Though this project the PhD candidate will be part of the research environment at Umeå center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI).

A person who is employed as a PhD student shall primarily devote his-/or herself to his/her own education. The project and research environment will give the dedicated student the opportunity to train as a first-class researcher. Our goal is to provide the supportive and inspiring environment required to ensure a good start to your research career.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a university degree equivalent to a European University Masters degree or completed course requirements of at least 240 credit points, of which at least 60 credit points should be at second-cycle level.

You should be fluent in spoken and written English. English skills and the ability to benefit from the education will be evaluated by the postgraduate studies board of the department.

Qualifications

In addition, the applicant should, through university studies or other equivalent education, have gained basic theoretical knowledge within one or more of the following subject areas: neuroscience, cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, medicine, biomedicine, biostatistics, or equivalent. Other subject areas may also be relevant since we are above all looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in developing a deeper understanding of neurocognitive aging. Prior research experience, particularly handling and analyses of research data as well as statistical and programming skills will be viewed favourably. The applicant must be able to work independently as well as collaborate with members of the research team. The ideal candidate should have excellent communication skills to be able to interact effectively with colleagues. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability, scientific reasoning, and the ability to write and understand scientific text.

Basis of assessment

The evaluation of the ability and potential to perform well is based primarily on:

Good collaborative skills, drive and independent work ability are considered as positive merits.

A selection will be made among qualified applicants based on their qualifications and their ability to benefit from studies at the doctoral level. After the selection of the suitable candidate, the process for the admission to doctoral studies will commence. An admission decision will be taken by the faculty’s director of studies.

About the employment

Start date April 1st 2024 or as agreed.

Wage placement takes place according to the established salary ladder for doctoral student employment.

According to the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 12, Section 2), the decision on employment cannot be appealed.

How to apply

You apply through our recruitment system Varbi at the latest February 25th 2024. Your application must contain the following documents written in English:

• A CV with information on education, a list of previous and current employments, and a list of publications.
• Copies of relevant degrees
• A cover letter describing research experience and interests, motivation for applying for the position
• Contact details of two to three references.

Union information is available from SACO, +46-(0)90-786 53 65, SEKO, +46-(0)90-786 52 96 and ST, +46-(0)90-786 54 31.

For questions regarding the position contact [email protected]

More about us

You can find more information about the research group at https://www.umu.se/en/staff/sara-pudas/