Postdoc position on biomarkers related to risk factors and prevention strategies for Alzheimer disease - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Divisions and project
The Division of Clinical Geriatrics and the division of Neurogeriatrics belongs to the internationally leading Center for Alzheimer Research at NVS. The research group led by Professor Miia Kivipelto consists of around 20 scientists/clinicians, focusing on clinical and translational research on prevention and treatment of Alzheimer disease. For more information visit www.nordicbrainnetwork.com.

The current project will be performed within the framework of a newly formed consortia with a wide range of expertise in neurodegenerative disorders; Dementia Prevention Platform. The consortia consists of the Kivipelto group and other research groups located at the Center for Alzheimer Research (KI) and the University of Gothenburg:

• Nenad Bogdanovic, KI – blood biomarkers
• Prof. Anna Matton (part of the Kivipelto group), KI – mechanisms and biomarkers
• Agneta Nordberg, KI – neuroimaging by PET
• Prof. Dorota Religa, KI – risk factors within the Svedem registry
• Prof. Erik Westman, KI – neuroimaging by MRI
• Henrik Zetterberg, Gothenburg University – biomarkers

The offered position is held at the Division of Clinical Geriatrics located at NEO building next to the Karolinska University Hospital at Huddinge and at the Q-House at Karolinska Solna. The division of Neurogeriatrics lab will move to Bioclinicum at Karolinska Solna during 2018. 

Duties
We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative post-doctoral scientist to investigate novel biomarkers in Alzheimer and other dementias. The candidate will be enrolled in the Dementia Prevention Platform described above. The purpose of the project is to understand the longitudinal effects of multimodal intervention strategies and to lay ground for deeper phenotyping of AD as well as establishing prognostic tools.
The project will be focused on biomarker identification and quantification of human samples from the Memory Clinic database Gedok and the multimodal intervention studies FINGER and MIND-AD led by Prof Kivipelto. The duties involve:

• Human sample preparation (blood and cerebrospinal fluid)
• Analysis of biomarkers using ELISA, Western blot, mass spectrometry etc. and identifying novel techniques and strategies to enhance assay sensitivity
• Statistical analysis and writing research articles
• Maintain regular communication between the different centers, to share recent results, updates etc.
• Integrate the expertise from different group members
• Supervision/guidance of younger trainees

Entry requirements
To qualify, the applicant must hold a doctor’s degree (or shortly acquire one) in neuroscience and have a background in biomedicine or equivalent. Previous engagement in human sample handling, biomarker analysis and experience from large data-sets and -omics research is an advantage. A strong scientific background in neurodegenerative diseases and a strong publication record is highly desirable. Good documentation skills and effective planning to meet deadlines is crucial. The successful candidate should show a high level of responsibility and a positive, problem solving attitude and be an active team player in our multidisciplinary team. The candidate should be self-motivated and driven with good communication skills and ability to interact effectively and work productively in a team. A high level of English, spoken and written, is a requirement.

Application process
An employment application must contain the following documents in English:

1. A complete curriculum vitae, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
2. A complete list of publications
3. A summary of current work (no more than one page)
4. Verifications for crediting of illness, military service, work for labour unions or student organisations, parental leave or similar circumstances
5. Verification from the thesis defence committee or the equivalent (only if the thesis defence is scheduled within three months after the application deadline)

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.