PhD-student position in Medical Science

The Department of Medical and Translational Biology is now announcing a Ph.D student position in Medical Sciences within the research disciplines of Cognitive Neuroscience. The position is on full time for four years, starting 1st of September 2025, or upon agreement. 

You who are admitted to doctoral studies at the Faculty of Medicine will be part of the faculty-wide doctoral education programme. The doctoral programme comprises 25 credits and is offered in two study variants: 25 credits spread over 8 terms (a total of 4 years) or over 12 terms (a total of 6 years), starting each autumn and spring semester. More information about the programme can be found on the faculty’s web page for doctoral studies (Doctoral Studies at the Faculty of Medicine - Handbook (umu.se).

Description of the PhD-project and assignments

The aging brain undergoes several changes that can lead to cognitive decline and dementia. Brain changes that are of particularly importance for individual differences in cognitive aging  remain, however, currently inconclusive. This project will investigate associations between aging-related brain changes, e.g., the dopamine decline, cerebral-small vessel disease, inflammation and build-up of b-amyloid and phosphorylated tau, in relation to cognitive performance in healthy older adults.

The student will handle and analyse large amounts of data from brain imaging (MRI and PET), cognitive tests, blood-based biomarkers; and perform statistical analyses.

The appointment aims at a PhD degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue doctoral studies, which includes participation in research, seminars and courses. 

Qualifications:

The applicant is required to have completed a university level degree of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at Master program level.

Specific admission requirements:

In order to be admitted to postgraduate studies, it is required that the applicant has necessary knowledge from university higher education or corresponding education and/or special professional experience that is assessed in relation to the research area.  Good skills in both spoken and written English are a requirement for the position. Evaluation of these skills is made by writing the application in English and having the intended PhD student present the research plan in English for the Department’s designated postgraduate education group.

Additional merits

In addition, the applicant should, through university studies or other equivalent education, have gained basic theoretical knowledge in e.g., neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology or equivalent. Experience of statistics, image analysis, and programming will be viewed favorably. The applicant must be able to work independently as well as collaborate with members of the research team. We expect the PhD student to work at the lab, and not from distance.

Application

The application is to be written in English and contain the following parts:

• A cover letter including a description of your research interests, your reasons to apply for the position, and your contact information
• A curriculum vitae
• Certified copies of degree certificates and other completed academic courses
• Copies of the master thesis and publications
• Contact information for two reference persons

The application shall be written in English and must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University Varbi no later than 2025-05-01. 

Salary:

The salary corresponds to the established salary level for doctoral employment.

Contact:

For more information please contact Nina Karalija, nina.karalija@umu.se

More information about the group's research can be found on our website:

https://www.umu.se/en/staff/nina-karalija/

We look forward to receiving your application!