PhD student in neurology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

Our research is focused on defining and understanding biological processes in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. We work both with cohorts of patients and cognitively unimpaired volunteers, who undergo extensive testing with neuroimaging, biomarker measurements and neuropsychological testing, and with animal- and cell biology experiments. More information can be found here. The research group is led by Professor Oskar Hansson. This position will be placed at BMC in Lund.

We aim to create a good work environment based on respect and consideration in our relation to each other. We strive to create an environment that promotes development and is stimulating to all employees.

Project description

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the underlying brain amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau pathologies and ensuing neurodegeneration can be reliably detected and monitored using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and imaging biomarkers. The CSF and imaging biomarkers have been successfully used in research settings and in specialized clinics in some countries. However, more accessible and inexpensive methods, like blood tests, are needed for widespread applicability in clinical trials as well as for future implementation in routine clinical care. We have recently published several papers suggesting that phosphorylated tau measured in blood may be a useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of AD (Palmqvist et al. JAMA, 2020; Janelidze et al. Nature Medicine, 2020; Cullen et al. Nature Aging, 2021). The main aim of this project is to design accessible and non-invasive tests for diagnosis and prognosis of AD by combining blood biomarkers (e.g. p-tau, biomarker of brain tau pathology; Aβ42/40, biomarker of brain amyloid-β pathology; NfL, biomarkers of neurodegeneration) with cognitive test, imaging as well as genetic biomarkers. The newly developed biomarkers algorithms would be highly useful for wide-spread implementation in primary care and could greatly accelerate the development of effective disease-modifying treatments in AD by facilitating selection and stratification of participants and monitoring of treatment responses.

The PhD student will conduct research under the supervision of Prof. Oskar Hansson, Dr. Shorena Janelidze, Dr. Niklas Mattsson-Carlgren and Dr. Sebastian Palmqvist.

Work duties and areas of responsibility

The main duties of the doctoral candidate are to conduct their research studies, which include participation in research projects and graduate courses. The doctoral candidate will perform analysis of cerebrospinal fluid and plasma samples from patients with AD, other neurodegenerative disorders and cognitively healthy elderly using immuno-based assays, statistical data analysis, write papers, and present results at national and international conferences. Other assignments within the research group may also occur. The majority of the research work will be done in collaboration with members of the research group.

Qualifications
The following are required for the position:

• Master of Science within medicine, biomedical science, psychology, neuroscience or a related field
• Experience with immunoassays (ELISA, MSD, Simoa)
• Proficiency in oral and written communication in English
• Strong communication, presentation and writing skills
• Good collaborative skills but also able to work independently
• Patient, detail-oriented and precise

The following are considered to be a merit:

• Experience with statistical analysis and R software environment for statistical computing and graphics
• Specific interest in dementia and aging

Eligibility
Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who: have completed a second-cycle degree, have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

Basis of assessment
The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Further information

Employment is a full-time, fixed-term position of 4 years, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5 Section 7. Starting date is the June 15th, 2022 or according to agreement.

How to apply
Applications must include a personal motivation letter, a CV, contact information of two references, a diploma (including a grade transcript) and other documents you wish to be considered (e.g. letters of recommendation). Those applicants who will be called for interview, will likely be asked to perform a small test to demonstrate basic competence.