Research Assistant in Dementia Epidemiology

Research Assistant in Dementia Epidemiology

Nordic Brain Network (NBN) is seeking a motivated research assistant to contribute to research on sex differences in dementia and Alzheimer's disease. You will work under the supervision of Associate Professor Shireen Sindi, who is part of the NBN within the division of Clinical Geriatrics at the Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society (NVS).

The Nordic Brain Network, under the leadership of Professor Miia Kivipelto, conducts research broadly focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The team is actively engaged in several international collaborations and networks. The majority of this multidisciplinary research team is based at Karolinska Institutet (Q-building in Solna), with additional members at the Karolinska University Hospital, as well as in Finland and the UK.

The Project

Within this network, Dr. Sindi conducts research on sex differences in dementia and Alzheimer's disease, including the underlying biological mechanisms. Her research also focuses on less established risk factors for dementia, such as chronic stress and sleep disturbances.

As part of a project recently funded through the Wellcome Leap CARE programme, her research aims to investigate the associations between hormonal and reproductive factors (e.g., hormonal therapies, reproductive history, and menopause) and Alzheimer's disease, as well as the underlying mechanisms.

The project will also examine how these hormonal and reproductive factors interact with other dementia risk factors, including sleep disturbances and chronic stress, to influence Alzheimer's disease risk and progression.

The research will integrate neuroimaging measures, Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma (including amyloid-beta and tau), genetic factors, and other relevant biological markers.

Ultimately, this research aims to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease, enhance the identification of individuals at increased risk of dementia, and inform the development of future personalised and multidomain preventive interventions.

Your Mission

In this position, you will play an active role in conducting analyses, interpreting findings, and publishing results. Your responsibilities will include conducting literature reviews, managing and curating research data, performing statistical analyses, and preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Your research will draw on longitudinal population-based cohorts, clinical cohorts, or national register data, selected according to the specific research questions. You will contribute to study design, data harmonisation and extraction, and the application of appropriate epidemiological and statistical methods to investigate risk factors and underlying mechanisms associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. You will also collaborate closely with researchers from different disciplines and institutions.

This is a full-time (100%) position for one year.

Your Profile

To qualify for the position we are looking for a candidate with a Master's degree in Epidemiology, medical sciences or a closely related field.

The successful candidate should have strong statistical and analytical skills, along with demonstrated experience in independently analysing data from longitudinal studies. This includes data cleaning, management, and advanced statistical analyses.

Experience in research involving ageing, cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease or dementia, sex differences and dementia risk factors is particularly valuable. Experience working with biomarker data, such as fluid-based biomarkers or neuroimaging, is also considered an advantage.

Excellent written and spoken English is required.

We are seeking a candidate who is independent, responsible, proactive, and solution-oriented, with strong organisational and project management skills. The successful candidate should be able to manage multiple research activities, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving project needs.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as the position involves close collaboration with researchers from different disciplines and institutions.

We particularly value candidates who can work both independently and collaboratively, and who are enthusiastic about contributing to a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research environment.

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

Tagged as: Life Sciences