Jobs

Postdoctoral Researcher, Population Neuroscience of Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease and Age-Related Dementia

Posted 24 Jul 2024

Employer

University of Pittsburgh

Location

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Principal Investigator

Caterina Rosano

Description

The PNA Training Program will train highly talented individuals to pursue successful independent research in the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related dementia (ADRD). The program offers two positions, each one for up to three years.

To understand the causes and mechanisms of ADRD, population neuroscientists of the future must be able to link environmental exposures, lifestyles, comorbidities, and genomics with knowledge of modern technology of neurosciences and measurements of brain disease and data science. The PNA curriculum addresses this need by providing: a) foundational knowledge in population science and neuroscience of aging; b) availability of multicenter and international databases; c) enhanced training in cutting-edge multimodal methodologies to measure brain changes with age, including neuropsychological assessment, neuroimaging, and postmortem assessments; d) hands-on experiences on recruitment and data collection, including internet-based study designs; f) opportunity to network with high-caliber scientists locally, nationally and internationally; g) training in the responsible conduct of research.

The PNA curriculum offers targeted coursework and selected research rotations, tailored to each individual’s background and research objectives. Trainees must demonstrate a strong commitment to expand their knowledge of study design and population neuroscience of aging. Required coursework includes: Population Neuroscience (fall, 1CR) and Neuroepidemiology (spring, 2CR). Additional coursework in neuroscience, epidemiology, and data science will be tailored for each trainee’ background and research interests, in consultation with the mentor. Through the practicum, trainees will learn the foundations of carrying out original neuroepidemiological research. The practicum includes rotations in data collection, data analysis, and clinical research. Each rotation is overseen by the primary mentor and/or a member of the mentoring team with expertise in that specific area. Through these rotations, trainees will: a) learn practical aspects of conducting research, including how to work within a multidisciplinary team; b) complete at least one original scientific manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal; and c) complete the first draft of a new grant research proposal reflecting the trainee’s independent thinking. 

Requirements

• Eligibility criteria:
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• M.D., Ph.D., Dr.Ph. or equivalent doctoral degree in epidemiology, neuroscience, psychology, health-related sciences (nursing, rehabilitation science), biostatistics, information science, biomedical informatics
• Strong commitment to pursue research in ADRD, using epidemiological and neuroscience methods.
• Prior research experience and publications.