Swedish Research Council Postdoctoral Scholarship

This postdoctoral scholarship at Karolinska Institutet offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the molecular signature of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). The successful candidate will join Assistant Professor Anna Marseglia’s team within the Westman neuroimaging group, a collaborative and internationally recognized research environment focused on prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of cognitive disorders. The Division of Clinical Geriatrics at the NVS Department conducts clinically oriented research on Alzheimer’s disease-related disorders and other aging-related conditions, in close cooperation with leading institutions and the Theme Aging at Karolinska University Hospital.

Dr Marseglia’s research integrates multimodal data—including neuroimaging, clinical, lifestyle, socio-behavioral, and proteomic measures—alongside AI-derived brain age as a proxy for brain health and cognitive resilience. This Swedish Research Council–funded project aims to uncover biological mechanisms driving VCID and identify molecular signatures predicting clinical progression across the VCID spectrum, including cases with Alzheimer’s disease. The postdoc will initiate and lead independent studies focused on identifying molecular fingerprints (based on proteomic data, e.g., Olink) of vulnerability and resilience to VCID, and their relationships with clinical, cognitive, lifestyle, and genetic features.

The position involves working with large-scale, multimodal longitudinal datasets, such as the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort studies and UK Biobank, and applying for access to additional cohorts integrating proteomic, clinical, cognitive, neuroimaging, and genetic variables. The postdoc will collaborate with experts in VCID and resilience research, contributing to innovative, interdisciplinary, and data-driven research approaches. Responsibilities include developing and refining research questions, conducting literature reviews, managing and processing data (with a focus on proteomics), leading analysis and integration of proteomic data, applying advanced analytical methods (clustering, machine learning, longitudinal models), interpreting results, preparing manuscripts for publication, presenting findings at professional forums, and developing new analytical pipelines for multi-omics integration.

The role may also involve supervising students, contributing to teaching activities, and participating in grant writing. The scholarship is a full-time (100%) position for one year, with a high possibility of extension for a further year, subject to fulfillment of criteria. The amount is tax-free, paid out on a six months basis. Entry requirements specify that only foreign researchers who have not carried out academic education in Sweden are eligible. Applicants must have a PhD in relevant fields (bioinformatics, biostatistics, computational biology, systems biology, data science, neuroscience, psychology), a strong publication record, hands-on experience with proteomics data, machine learning, and longitudinal data analysis, and strong programming skills in R or similar software. Additional merits include training in epidemiology, experience with UK Biobank data, knowledge of cerebrovascular disease, and interest in translational research and AI/machine learning applications in biomedical research.

Karolinska Institutet is one of the world’s leading medical universities, offering a creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. The successful candidate will benefit from mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities. Applications are to be submitted via the Varbi recruitment system by July 8, 2026, including a CV, list of publications, and a summary of current work. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in August, with the expected start date in fall 2026. For further information, contact Anna Marseglia ([email protected]) or Andrea Hansson ([email protected]).