PhD position in neuroimaging of aging: The Center for Healthy Aging will appoint a three year PhD research position in collaboration between the Unit of Medical Psychology at the Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen and the Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR) based at Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre.
The main focus the PhD project is the joined development and application of new analytical methods, combining structural and functional brain MRI information, in order to characterize brain aging and predict the possible trajectories influenced by life-span adversities and risk factors.
Research environment
The Center for Healthy Aging primarily focuses on multi-disciplinary aging research and offers opportunities for interaction with leading aging researchers in a broad range of fields from molecular biology to the humanities. The Unit of Medical Psychology is the psychology unit of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. The DRCMR is one of the leading research centers in Europe within the field of biomedical MRI. Both units conduct research at an international level and provide experienced PhD supervisors.
Qualifications
The successful PhD candidate must have a background in medical technology (e.g., physics, biomedical engineering, biophysics) and preferably previous experience with multimodal neuroimaging. A good physics or mathematical background is required. Experience with analysis of diffusion and/or functional MRI is a prerequisite. Good programming skills, preferably MATLAB, are also necessary. Experience with image analysis software packages (e.g., SPM, FSL) is desirable. The candidate should be highly motivated by the cross-disciplinary focus on methods development and neurobiology of aging, and should be able to work in a team, as well as have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Successful candidates will have opportunities for research training and skills development and will be part of a rich and stimulating intellectual environment interacting with international multi-disciplinary research groups.
Questions
For further information about the position please contact Senior researcher, Associate Professor Ellen Garde, telephone number +45 3862 2977, e-mail: elleng@drcmr.dk (www.drcmr.dk) or Professor Erik Lykke Mortensen, telephone number +45 3532 7839, e-mail: elme@sund.ku.dk (www.ifsv.ku.dk/afdelinger/ms/sundhedspsykologi/).
Salary and employment terms
Employment is for a three-year period and is governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) on 1 October 2008, enclosure 5. In addition to the seniority-based salary, the appointee will receive an annual supplement of currently DKK 15,244.04 (1 April 2015 level), and additional bonuses may be negotiated on an individual basis.
The PhD fellow is obliged to carry out – without additional pay – allocated teaching-related tasks, etc. of up to 840 working hours during their period of employment.
How to Apply:
The application must contain:
1. A cover letter (half to one page), including a description of relevant background and motivation for choosing this research project.
2. A curriculum vitae with documentation of professional standing.
Deadline: 26 August 2015.
Material received after this time will not be considered.
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk