Postdoctoral position in Cognitive Neuroscience of Aging - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

Project description:

We are announcing a postdoc position in cognitive neuroscience of aging at the Department of Integrative Medical Biology placed at the Umeå center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI, www.ufbi.umu.se) and at Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine (WCMM, http://www.wcmm.umu.se/english/) in collaboration with the Stat4Reg Lab (www.stat4reg.se). UFBI is an interdisciplinary research center where functional and structural brain imaging is used to address several basic science and clinical research questions. WCMM conducts research in various medical arena including cancer, infectious diseases, and nervous system diseases. Stat4Reg is a research lab where statistical methods for the analysis of large scale databases are developed. The current position will be jointly supervised by Alireza Salami (UFBI, WCMM) and Xavier de Luna (Stat4Reg).

We, as well as other research teams, have previously established that there is age-related differences in functional cross-talk between distal brains regions measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at rest. However, most of the previous studies rest upon cross-sectional data which might be biased in estimating the degree of age-related changes. Moreover, individual differences in resting-state functional connectivity might be due to individual differences in dopaminergic neurotransmission. The initial purpose of the current project is to further investigate age-related changes in functional architecture of resting brain using longitudinal data set and their association with cognitive decline in aging. The secondary purpose is to determine the contribution of dopaminergic neurotransmission as measured by dopamine D1 receptor binding with positron emission tomography (PET) on resting-state functional connectivity and cognition across the adult lifespan. The work involves statistical methodological development and analyses of existing unique longitudinal data (BETULA project), but also involves engagement in an ongoing data collection (DYNAMIC project). There is also a possibility to co-supervise a PhD student.

Qualifications:

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with experience in the development of relevant statistical methodology and hands on experience with the latest MRI techniques for studying brain connectivity. Eligible to apply are individuals with a PhD or equivalent scientific skills. Priority will be given to applicants who graduated within three years before the application deadline. A successful candidate should be skilled in cognitive neuroscience, computer intensive statistical methods, and scientific communication in English, both orally and in writing. Applicants with experience of developing methods for functional brain imaging, preferably (resting-state) fMRI, will be given priority. The applicant should be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a research team. Emphasis is put on the applicant’s suitability for the current Project.

Application for the fellowship should include:

1. A brief cover letter (about one page) that describes the applicant’s research experience, research interests, and suitability for the project.

2. Curriculum vitae including information about academic degrees (with verifications), technical expertise, employments, list of publications, and names and contact information for two references.

For more information, contact Dr. Alireza Salami, e-mail: Alireza.salami@umu.se, Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University.

The position is for two years.
Start date: April 1st 2018, or upon agreement