Research assistant in the Nordic Brain Network group - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

Professor Miia Kivipelto’s research group - the Nordic Brain Network (NBN) - is part of the division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, NVS. The largest part of this multidisciplinary research team is located at KI (Q-building in Solna), but team members are also present at the Karolinska University Hospital, in Finland and UK. The NBN carries out research focusing on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The research team conducts trials (RCTs) for dementia risk reduction, and is involved in several international collaborations and networks (https://ki.se/en/nvs/nordic-brain-network).

Professor Kivipelto is the PI of the landmark Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) RCT, the first large-scale trial showing that a 2-year multidomain lifestyle-based intervention can benefit cognition in seniors at increased risk of dementia. Several blood-based markers linked to cognitive decline and dementia in older adults have been measured at baseline and 2-years in the FINGER cohort.

Prof. Kivipelto and her team work to advance, optimize and scale-up the FINGER model, to identify effective strategies for dementia risk reduction and prevention applicable on a global scale. Towards this end, Prof. Kivipelto has founded the EU-FINGERS Consortium, and the World-Wide FINGERS Network, which collectively gather dementia research experts from about 40 countries.

Your mission
We are looking for a highly motivated research assistant who will be working under the main supervision of Assistant Professor Francesca Mangialasche, within the research area of blood markers potentially involved in age-related cognitive decline and dementia (lipid and glucose metabolism, redox status, inflammation). Main goal is the identification of biomarker panels for predicting cognitive decline/dementia and monitoring effects of preventive interventions in older adults. This will require working with a rich array of covariates, including neuropsychological, clinical, and medical data, and a wide array of blood compounds. Additionally, data from surveys on lifestyle and behavioral changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic are also available from FINGER.

We expect the applicant to take an active role in data processing, performing statistical analyses and preparing scientific manuscripts under supervision.The applicant will also contribute to a multinational project, the WW-FINGERS-SARS-CoV-2 initiative (F Mangialasche is the Scientific Coordinator), where lifestyle and behavioral changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic are being monitored in older adults at risk of dementia from several countries (including Sweden), to optimize forthcoming FINGER-like trials for dementia risk reduction. The candidate will work together and under the supervision of F. Mangialasche, to support the coordination of data collection (done using the REDCap digital system), and data analysis.

This is a full-time, temporary position with a duration of 12 months, with possibility of extension.

Your profile
The successful candidate is expected (1) to hold a Master’s degree related to epidemiology or public health sciences by the time of employment; (2) to have good knowledge on statistics; (3) to have knowledge and understanding of vascular health, lipid and glucose metabolism, and inflammation in humans; (4) to have excellent communication skills and ability to interact effectively and productively with other researchers in the team (5) to have excellent English language skills in terms of oral and written communication.

Meritorious:

• To hold a Medical degree.
• Previous experience within Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• Previous experience with software for statistical analyses (e.g., STATA).
• Experience of analyzing clinical data.
• Experience with REDCap.

The successful candidate should show a high level of responsibility, independency and a positive, problem solving attitude, and be an active team player in our large and dynamic multidisciplinary group. Great importance is attributed to collaboration abilities and communications skills, as a substantial part of the work involves collaborate with others. Workload will be variable and will require flexibility of working hours to meet deadlines. The postholder should also have good methodologies for planning timelines. 

What do we offer?
Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the
development of knowledge about life and to promote better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is a state university, which entitles employees to several benefits such as extended holiday and a generous occupational pension. Employees also have free access to our modern gym and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Location: NBN, Q-House, Karolinska Solna.

Your career continues here

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 2021-06-10.
The application (including CV an motivation letter) is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all.