PhD position in early onset adolescent psychosis study
At the NORMENT – K.G. Jebsen Research Centre for Psychosis Research, a Centre of Excellence, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, there is a position available as a PhD student. The Centre has a research programme involving all psychiatric hospital departments in Oslo and several research groups at the University of Oslo (UiO). The purpose of the programme is to study how biological/genetic, psychological and environmental factors contribute to severe mental disorders. The NORMENT CoE has used their infrastructure for clinical evaluations, neuropsychological testing, MRI brain imaging and biobanking to collect a large database in severe mental disorder. Specifically, we have collected data on adolescents with psychosis (12-18 years of age) with the purpose to investigate the brain structural and functional development over time and the interaction with clinical course, genes, cardiovascular, metabolic, and environmental risk factors. A baseline data collection comprising in depth clinical, cognitive, biomarker and MRI brain data is ongoing and is now followed by a reexamination after initially 2 years for longitudinal investigation.
Description
The PhD student will work to gain more knowledge about mechanisms and development of severe mental disorders in adolescence, by identifying different phenotypes that are associated with severe mental illness, using the well characterized Youth-TOP (Thematically Organized Psychosis) sample with clinical assessments and advanced brain MRI scans. The PHD student will help include adolescents to the project and will follow NORMENT’s PhD program for researcher development. The project has collaboration with research groups in the United States and Europe, and visits to these collaborators may be included.
Qualifications and Personal Skills
Applicants should have a background in medicine or psychology. We encourage psychiatrists or psychologists to apply. The ideal candidate has a strong CV, with some scientific experience, an outstanding potential and genuine interest in psychosis research and to apply data analysis tools for this project. Experience from neuroimaging is advantageous but not an absolute requirement since the candidate is expected to interact with the NORMENT imaging group with expertise in these methods. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are a prerequisite.
The PhD fellow will work at the NORMENT – K.G. Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research (TOP Study Group) at the Adult Psychiatry Unit at Vinderen, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, UiO, in collaboration with Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Section for Psychosis Research at Oslo University Hospital.
The position is funded for three years.
Please also refer to the regulations pertaining to the conditions of employment for PhD students.
For more information about the project, please contact:
Professor Ingrid Agartz, phone +46 734141410, ingrid.agartz@medisin.uio.no
Professor Ole Andreassen, phone + 47 99038893, o.a.andreassen@medisin.uio.no
The application must include
- CV summarizing education, positions and relevant work experience
- Complete list of abstracts and publications; do not include publications themselves
- ½ page statement of previous research accomplishments
- ½ page motivation statement for wanting to do a PhD
- List of 3 references with contact information
The application with attachments is to be delivered in our electronic recruiting system EasyCruit. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please remember that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.
We offer
- An exciting research environment with a multi-disciplinary profile and large opportunities for academic development.
- Pay Grade: 50-57 (NOK 432 700 – NOK 489 300) depending on qualifications.
- Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- Attractive welfare benefits
In assessing applications, particular emphasis will be placed upon the academic and personal ability of the candidate to complete the project within the given timeframe.
In accordance with the University of Oslo´s equal opportunities policy, we invite applications from all interested individuals regardless of gender or ethnicity.
The University of Oslo has an agreement regarding acquisition of rights to work results for all employees, with the aim to secure rights to research results, etc.
According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.
To APPLY click "Further official information" below.