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 KUH, in Finland and UK. The NBN carries out research focusing on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The research team conducts cutting edge biomedical, epidemiological, observational and qualitative research, as well as trials (RCTs) for dementia risk reduction, and is involved in several international collaborations and networks.

Prof. 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 older adults at increased risk of dementia. 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 (EU-fingers), and the World-Wide FINGERS Network (World-Wide Fingers).

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Kivipelto´s team compiled a survey to measure the indirect effects of the pandemic in older adults, in terms of changes in lifestyle and modifiable risk factors for dementia, including medical care of chronic disorders, and mental wellbeing. The survey collected data in several countries, including Sweden. The survey results are expected to inform better care of older adults in the context of a pandemic, (pre)-screening participants for multidomain trials for dementia risk reduction, and to adapt and successfully deliver preventive interventions.

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 short and medium-term indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental wellbeing of older adults. The work will be based on data from the above mentioned survey done in the Swedish population (approximately 6,900 participants). Data collection has been completed, and the work expected includes dataset preparation, data analysis (quantitative data) and writing of scientific manuscripts under supervision. Initial focus would be on effects of the pandemic on indicators of mental wellbeing, such as symptoms of anxiety and depression. Contribution in other scientific tasks related to the survey (e.g., reporting for funding bodies) is also expected.

This is a full-time, temporary position with a duration of 6 months, with possibility of extension.

Your profile

The candidate is expected to: 

• Hold a Master’s degree in public health sciences, (health) psychology, medical sciences or a related area by the time of employment.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm and a strong motivation to contribute to this research.
• Have good epidemiological skills, especially in relation to health promotion and prevention.
• Have excellent English language skills in terms of oral and written communication, and ability to interact adequately with other researchers in the team.

Meritorious:

• Demonstratable experience and/or affinity with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis.
• Experience with statistical analyses (and software such as STATA).
• Demonstrable experience with scientific writing in English.

The successful candidate should show a high level of responsibility, independency, and a positive, problem-solving attitude. You should have great organizational and time management skills and be an active team player in our dynamic multidisciplinary group. Great importance is attributed to communication skills, openness in the interaction with others, and collaboration abilities, as a substantial part of the work involves collaborating with others. Workload will be variable and requires flexibility in terms of working hours to meet deadlines. We will place great emphasis on personal qualities.

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. 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 a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several good benefits through our collective agreement. And you get to practice freely in our modern wellness facilities, where trained staff are on site.

Location: Solna

Nordic-Brain-Network

Video about Karolinska Institutet, how we all work towards "a better health for all"

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 7th of June 2022. 

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.In this recruitment, you will apply with your CV without a personal letter. Instead, you will answer some questions about why you are applying for the job in the application form. 

Permanent position is initiated by a six months trial period.

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