Project assistant in neuroimaging of neurodegenerative disease

Description of the workplace

The research group for Neurodegenerative Research conducts research in dementia. Our research is focused on defining and understanding biological processes in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. We analyze large datasets collected from patients and cognitively unimpaired volunteers, who undergo extensive testing with neuroimaging, biomarker measurements and neuropsychological testings. Our group applies sophisticated statistical tools to unique and state-of-the-art data in order to model processes related to aging and disease. The Project Assistant will join a growing multidisciplinary team of neuroscientists, statisticians, biologists and engineers, who are dedicated to increase the knowledge about neurodegenerative diseases. The long-term goal of our research is to contribute to the development of new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases where effective treatments are still lacking. The research group is led by Dr. Jacob Vogel. This position will be placed at BMC in Lund.

We aim to create a positive, supportive and inclusive work environment based on respect and mutual consideration. We strive to create an environment that promotes development and is stimulating to all employees.

What we offer

Lund University is a public authority, which means that you will have special benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension. We also have a flextime agreement that creates good conditions for work/life balance.

Read more on the University’s website about being a Lund University employee, Work at Lund University

Work duties and responsibilities

The Project assistant will primarily focus on processing and analyzing large sets of medical brain imaging data. We have amassed large quantities of structural MRI (used to measure brain structure), diffusion MRI (used to measure brain connectivity) and functional MRI (used to measure brain function). This data is sourced from thousands of individuals across the lifespan, including people with Alzheimer’s disease. The Project Assistant will develop workstreams and execute existing neuroimaging pipelines to process and postprocess this data. Other tasks within the research group may also be assigned. The Project Assistant will be encouraged and given the opportunity to lead their own project analyzing neuroimaging data in the context of aging and Alzheimer’s disease. The position may also involve international travel to support training and career development.

Qualifications

Requirements for the position are:

• B.Sc. in engineering, computer science, neuroscience, statistics, physics, mathematics or a related discipline OR receiving said degree before the start of employment.
• Competence using Linux-based high-performance parallel computing systems
• Fluency in Python programming language
• Familiarity with Bash
• Excellent communications skills in English, both verbal and written
• High intrinsic motivation. The person should also be thorough, but also get work done in a timely manner

Merits for the position are:

• M.Sc. in engineering, computer science, neuroscience, statistics, physics, mathematics or a related discipline OR receiving said degree before the start of employment
• Previous research experience in neuroscience or with medical images
• Experience processing neuroimaging data

Other information

This is a fixed-term position of 12 months, 100 % of full time. Starting date in September 2024 or according to agreement.

How to apply
The position is applied for via Lund University’s recruitment system Varbi. Applications must include a personal motivation letter in which you describe how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position. The application must also contain 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).