Postdoctoral Training in Alzheimer's Research

The Brain Imaging Genomics Laboratory of the Indiana University School of Medicine Center for Neuroimaging and the Neuroimaging Core of the NIH-sponsored Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center have immediate full-time openings for outstanding, highly motivated postdoctoral research fellows with special interest in the areas of human brain imaging, medical neuroscience and genomics/computational systems biology, to play a key role in state-of-the-science integrative studies of early state Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions.

Other collaborative research using similar approaches within the center and beyond focuses on cognitive effects of treatment for non-central nervous system (CNS) cancers, mild traumatic brain injuries and sports concussions, and psychosis.

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Interested applicants must send a cover letter with a brief description of research experience, interests and goals; a full CV; and three letters of reference to the program administrator.

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Training Goals

This fellowship program is designed to achieve a better understanding of the complex causes and mechanisms leading to Alzheimer’s disease; to improve early detection and longitudinal monitoring by combining genomics, fluid biomarkers and advanced neuroimaging; and to identify novel targets for diagnostic use and therapeutic intervention.

The fellow will have designated responsibility for specific projects and will contribute to leading-edge team science initiatives. Fellows are expected to take the lead on preparing manuscripts for publication and appropriate grant proposals while collaborating with others as part of a team effort.

Special Opportunities

This fellowship allows the successful applicant to gain experience working directly with the Genetics Core of the National Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, the Neuroimaging Core of the Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the IU Network Science Institute, which is conducting pioneering integrative studies of the human connectome, social networks and systems biology of Alzheimer’s disease. Research-dedicated facilities in the IU School of Medicine Neuroscience Center include Siemens PRISMA 3T MRI and Biograph PET/CT, Radiochemistry Core and Neurovisualization Lab, with PET/MR arriving shortly.

The Center for Neuroimaging and the Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center are highly transdisciplinary environments with PhD and MD/PhD students in medical neuroscience, medical and molecular genetics, and computer science/bioinformatics. Primary co-mentors on several NIH-funded projects include Kwangsik Nho, PhD; Shannon Risacher, PhD; Liana Apostolova, MD; Yu-Chien Wu, MD, PhD; Brenna McDonald, PsyD; and Brea Perry. A broad network of collaborations extend to other universities.

Admission Requirements

Successful applicants have strong academic preparation (MD, PhD or MD/PhD in a relevant discipline); high motivation and enthusiasm for research; excellent written and oral communication skills including evidence of successful manuscript writing and publication productivity; strong intellectual curiosity, creativity and flexibility; a commitment to the scientific goals of the program and a desire to make a contribution; and the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative transdisciplinary team including mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

Preference is given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas: multimodal MRO and PET neuroimaging; medical and molecular genetics; and systems biology/network analysis.

Applicants who have recently completed their terminal degree and plan to develop an independent research career are especially encouraged to apply. In addition, applicants must be currently in the US and/or eligible to begin work in the US immediate. Review of applicants will continue until the positions are filled.