Karolinska Institutet, Department of Women's and Children's Health

The Department is organized in 10 divisions: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Surgery, Neuropediatrics, Pediatric Oncology, Neonatology, Reproductive Endocrinology, Neuropsychiatry (KIND), Reproductive and Perinatal Health. The divisions have separate scientific profiles and vary in size and have several research groups, dealing with both basic and clinical science.

Division
The Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet (KIND) is a competence center for research, development, and education within the area of developmental psychopathology. The center is established in collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council aiming at improving generating high-end basic research, clinical practice, and spread new knowledge to stakeholders.

We welcome applications for a postdoctoral position in developmental behaviour genetics in the research group headed by Dr. Terje Falck-Ytter, at the Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet. The position starts in fall 2019 and the employment is for 2 years with possibility for extension. 

Duties
This position is tied to the BABYTWINS study, in which we assess brain (EEG) and behavior (including eye movements) in 5 month old twins who are subsequently followed to the age of three years of age (n = 620 infants). The 5-month data collection in the BABYTWINS study, which is unique of its kind in the world, will be completed by the end of 2019.

A key aim is to understand etiological factors behind early brain and behavioral processes that predict later variability in domains such as language, social-communication and behavioral flexibility.  This aim will be realized through structural equation twin model-fitting analyses of these newly acquired twin data.

BABYTWINS is led by Dr Falck-Ytter in collaboration with Professor Angelica Ronald (Birkbeck, University of London), and currently consists of two PhD students and three research assistants. The postdoc will be supervised by Falck-Ytter and Ronald.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading analyses for publication in peer reviewed journals, in collaboration with the project team. The candidate will also have the opportunity to gain experience in training PhD students and contributing to grant writing activities. As such, the position provides an excellent opportunity for transition to career independence.

KIND offers excellent research facilities (e.g. infant lab, direct access to patients), as well as outstanding ECR supervision. The post-doctoral fellow will benefit from a generous fund of 10 000 EUR per annum for books, conference attendance, training courses, and other eligible academic activities. KI and Sweden offer many opportunities for building an independent line of research. These include world renowned training courses and many grant opportunities tailored for junior researchers. The supervisory team will be fully supportive and keen to maximize opportunities for the postholder’s career development.

The student will also have the opportunity to conduct research visits to the Genes Environment Lifespan laboratory at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development at Birkbeck, University of London. The Genes Environment Lifespan laboratory is led by Professor Ronald and thus the postholder can benefit from being part of this lab group known for its wide-ranging behavioural and statistical genetic research on developmental psychopathology.  

Interviews will be held in August or early September 2019.

Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have a PhD in behavioural genetics, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a related field with a strong publication record. The candidate should have a strong quantitative research background. In particular, it is an essential requirement for this position that candidates have previous experience with structural equation twin modelling. Excellent oral and written English language skills are also required.

You must be able to work independently as well as work in a team and to be able to supervise more junior team members. We seek a reliable, ambitious and effective team member motivated to produce the best possible science.

Non-essential criteria: The following are preferred but not required qualifications:

  • Experience with research in developmental psychology
  • Strong computational programming skills

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

  • 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
  • A complete list of publications
  • A summary of current work (no more than one page)

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

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment Fall 2019
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Solna
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number 2-3113/2019
Contact
  • Terje Falck-Ytter, +46(0)704581475
Union representative
  • Henry Wölling, SEKO, 08-524 840 80
  • Bodil Moberg, OFR, 08-524 836 01
  • John Inge Johnsen , SACO, john.inge.johnsen@ki.se
Published 27.May.2019
Last application date 16.Jun.2019 11:59 PM CEST

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