FORTE

Karolinska Institutet invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position focused on sex-differences in social health, cognition, and resilience, supported by a FORTE-funded scholarship. The successful candidate will join Assistant Professor Anna Marseglia’s team within the Westman neuroimaging group, a multidisciplinary and internationally recognized research environment specializing in prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of cognitive disorders. The Division of Clinical Geriatrics at the NVS Department conducts research on Alzheimer’s disease-related disorders and other aging-related conditions, collaborating closely with leading institutions and the Theme Aging at Karolinska University Hospital.

Dr Marseglia’s team investigates sex disparity in vascular contributions to cognitive disorders and resilience, integrating social health frameworks with brain MRI, cognitive measures, biomarkers, and rich life-course data. This project aims to elucidate the biological and sociocultural pathways underlying sex differences in cognitive resilience, including hormone-related factors and social determinants in later life. As part of this FORTE-funded initiative, the postdoctoral researcher will lead independent studies to identify socio-cultural determinants influencing how men and women engage in social health, shaping late-life trajectories and cognitive outcomes.

The role involves working with multi-modal longitudinal datasets, including UK Biobank and Swedish population-based aging cohorts within the NEAR infrastructure (Betula, SNAC-K, H70-1944 Birth Cohort). Responsibilities include developing research questions, conducting literature reviews, managing and processing non-imaging data, performing advanced longitudinal statistical analyses (mixed-effects models, splines, growth models), interpreting results, preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, and presenting findings at professional forums. The candidate will also coordinate projects within the research group, supervise students, participate in teaching activities, and contribute to funding applications.

This full-time (100%) postdoctoral scholarship is initially for one year, with a high possibility of extension for a further year, contingent on fulfilling criteria. The scholarship is tax-free, paid out on a six months basis. Entry requirements specify that postdoctoral scholarships are intended for foreign researchers who have not carried out academic education in Sweden. Eligible candidates must have obtained a doctorate or a foreign degree equivalent to a doctorate. Applicants who have not completed their doctorate by the application deadline may apply, provided all requirements are met before the intended start date.

Applicants should have a PhD in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, psychology, neuroscience, sociology, or a related field with a focus on aging. Essential qualifications include strong practical experience in modeling longitudinal data using advanced statistical methods, previous research in social determinants of health and/or sex differences in aging, training in epidemiology-related research methods, proficiency in R programming or similar software, and experience handling large-scale, multimodal datasets. Excellent written and spoken English communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international environment are required. Additional merits include experience with UK Biobank data, a record of published scientific articles, and interest in interdisciplinary science, including AI/machine learning and medical sociology.

Karolinska Institutet offers a creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests, innovative medical research, and the largest range of biomedical education in Sweden. The successful candidate will benefit from professional development opportunities, mentorship, networking, and scientific output. The position is based at Neo (Blickagången 16), KI Campus Flemingsberg. Applications must be submitted via the Varbi recruitment system, including a complete CV, list of publications, and a summary of current work. The selection process will take place in July, with interviews in August and an expected start date in fall 2026.

For further information, contact Andrea Hansson ([email protected]) or Anna Marseglia ([email protected]). Union representatives are also available for consultation. Join Karolinska Institutet and contribute to advancing global health research.