Postdoctoral Researcher, Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research

Context Of The Job:

The Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research (DECCAR) seeks a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to its studies of brain health, brain aging, and risk and protective factors for Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions. In particular, the postdoctoral researcher will primarily work with Dr. Matthew Cohen and contribute to the Delaware Longitudinal Study for Alzheimer’s Prevention (DeLSAP), a longitudinal study examining the bio-psycho-social risk and protective factors for cognitive decline and dementia in adults aged 45 and older.

The postdoctoral researcher will also contribute to the Brain Wellness Information, Support, and Empowerment (Brain-WISE) study, an ongoing clinical trial examining a dementia risk reduction intervention for middle-aged and older adults.

The postdoctoral researcher will have time (~20%) and mentorship to pursue independent research, which could stem from or intersect with the DeLSAP or Brain-WISE.

This is a 1-year position with the possibility of extension. Application materials include a cover letter detailing research interests and career goals, CV, and names and contact information of 3 references. Correspondence regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Matthew Cohen (mlcohen@udel.edu).

University of Delaware and the Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research

Founded in 1743, UD is a Land Grant, Sea Grant, and Space Grant institution. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies UD as a research university with very high research activity (i.e., “R1”) - a designation achieved by less than 3% of U.S. colleges and universities. Sponsored activities expenditures exceed $256M/year, and UD ranks among the Nation’s top 100 universities in federal research and development support for science and engineering. In 2015, UD also received the Carnegie Community Engagement classification, recognizing the extension and impact of its scholarship to society through work with more than 300 community partners. U.S. News and World Report ranks UD in the top 100 universities in the United States, No. 38 among the nation’s top public universities.

The Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research (DECCAR) aims to drive interdisciplinary research, clinical education, and community engagement related to Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD). In particular, DECCAR’s research aims to slow, stop, or reverse ADRD and improve quality of life for older adults. DECCAR is led by an interdisciplinary team with expertise in biological mechanisms of AD, clinical neuropsychology, translational neuroimaging methodology, and speech-language pathology. Affiliated faculty have expertise in biostatistics, machine learning, biochemistry, kinesiology, applied physiology, and women’s health. DECCAR investigators are funded by the National Institute on Aging, Unidel Foundation, Inc., Delaware Community Foundation, and other sources.

Major Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to analyses, publications, and presentations related to the DeLSAP and Brain-WISE
• Assist with the operations of the DeLSAP. The DeLSAP has dedicated full-time staff, but the postdoctoral researcher would assist with activities such as reports to the IRB, data quality checks, addressing participant issues that arise, and troubleshooting logistics of harmonizing data from various sources (neuroimaging, plasma biomarker, etc.).
• Contribute to the Brain-WISE study

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in neuropsychology, health psychology, gerontology, quantitative psychology, rehabilitation sciences, or a similar field.
• Experience performing human subjects research
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient in R, data management, and statistical analyses