PhD Candidate in Medical Science within Neurodegenerative Research

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked as one of the world's leading universities. There are around 47,000 students and more than 8,800 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our effort to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of people.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Gender equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles in all aspects of our operations.

Workplace Description

The neurodegenerative research group consists of a growing multidisciplinary team of neuroscientists, statisticians, biologists, and engineers dedicated to increasing the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.

Our group focuses on defining and understanding biological processes in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. We apply sophisticated statistical tools to unique neuroimaging and biomarker datasets collected from patients and older individuals, aiming to model processes related to aging and disease. The research group is led by Dr. Jacob Vogel. The position is located at the Biomedical Center (BMC) in Lund.

We strive to create a positive, supportive, stimulating, and inclusive work environment based on respect and mutual consideration, and we aim to promote the development of our employees.

PhD Subject:

Medical Science

Project Description

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β and tau protein pathology in the brain. However, the manner in which brain pathology accumulates varies, something we can now measure in living patients using neuroimaging biomarkers, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Furthermore, advances in high-throughput genomics and proteomics have made it possible to measure both static and active molecular systems in living individuals. The project will utilize biomarker data from thousands of clinical and post-mortem patients to map spatiomolecular variations in the Alzheimer's-affected brain. However, this data is extensive and complex and requires advanced AI and statistical learning methods. The current project will leverage the latest AI technology and statistical tools as well as human data to model the heterogeneity in Alzheimer's.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The main task of the PhD candidate is to engage in their doctoral education, and therefore you will be both admitted as a PhD student and employed at Lund University. The PhD candidate will conduct data analysis by combining multiple neuroimaging and phenotypic datasets, write scientific articles, and present research findings both locally and at national and international conferences. Other tasks may include: Managing and processing data; Composing, editing, or executing computational scripts; Informal mentoring and knowledge sharing with other staff; Writing research proposals and/or applications for research grants.

Other tasks may also occur. The majority of the research work will be conducted in collaboration with members of the research group.

Qualifications

Admission requirements are:

• Completed master's degree, with at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits at the advanced level, or equivalent knowledge acquired in Sweden or abroad.
• Good ability to benefit from doctoral education.
• At least 60 ECTS credits in the field of medical science or equivalent knowledge acquired in Sweden or abroad.
• Very good proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Employment requirements are:

• Master's degree or equivalent in neuroscience, statistics, quantitative biology, physics, mathematics, or a related field.
• Good communication, presentation, and writing skills.
• Ability to collaborate as well as work independently.
• Attention to detail, patience, and good focus on details.

Meritorious for employment are:

• Particular interest in dementia and aging.
• Experience in programming, preferably in Python or R.
• Experience in statistical modeling and/or AI/machine learning.
• Experience in managing, processing, and analyzing neuroimaging, genomic, or other types of omics data.
• Familiarity with git and GitHub.
• Experience working in a Linux environment and/or in high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Knowledge of best practices in reproducibility and open science.

Great emphasis will be placed on how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to have the ability needed to complete the doctoral education.

We Offer

Lund University is a public authority, which means you receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favorable occupational pension. As a PhD candidate at Lund University, you are both a student (https://www.medarbetarwebben.lu.se/forska-och-utbilda/stod-till-forskning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva) and an employee (https://www.medarbetarwebben.lu.se/forska-och-utbilda/stod-till-forskning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/anstallningsvillkor-doktorander), which provides several benefits. Read more on the university's website about working with us (https://www.lu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss).

About the Employment

The position is a fixed-term employment for four years, 100% with a start date of June 1 or by agreement. The main rule is that employment at Lund University is conducted in Sweden, so you are expected to perform your work on-site in Lund and Malmö.

Regulations regarding employment as a PhD candidate can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7. Regulations regarding admission to doctoral studies can be found in Chapter 6, Section 3 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100).

Other

For PhD candidates, there is a specific salary scale linked to each faculty, and salary is set according to the current salary scale.

How to Apply

Applications are made via the university's recruitment system. The application must be in English and should include a personal letter, CV, contact details for two references, degree certificate (including transcripts), and any other documents you wish to refer to (e.g., recommendation letters). Applicants who are called for an interview may be required to take a test to demonstrate basic competence. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, particularly from underrepresented groups, to apply for the position.