Introduction to the topic:
Affective disorders, such as bipolar disorders, are associated with changes in both brain structure and cognitive function. In our research group, we have used MRI to obtain images from a large group of patients with affective disorders and healthy controls in order to map gray and white matter changes and abnormal neural responses during cognitive tasks.
Project details:
For the current project, the MRI investigation has been completed for all participants and data is being analyzed. The research project is therefore in the final stage, when a manuscript aimed for publication in a scientific journal needs to be prepared. The tasks of a research assistant will be to perform literature searches in PubMed and aiding with drafting and formatting the research report, references, tables and figures.
Selected relevant publications:
- Macoveanu J, et al (2023). Early longitudinal changes in brain structure and cognitive functioning in remitted patients with recently diagnosed bipolar disorder. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.026. PMID: 37442440
- Macoveanu J, et al (2023). Associations between aberrant working memory-related neural activity and cognitive impairments in somatically healthy, remitted patients with mood disorders. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291723000715 PMID: 37051904
- Macoveanu J, et al (2021). Hippocampal subfield morphology in monozygotic twins discordant for affective disorders. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-020-0756-2 PMID: 32620004
Additional application required
You must submit an additional application through the Online Registration portal.
All application materials must be submitted on the following dates by midnight in your time zone:
- November 1 for spring semester applicants
- May 1 for fall semester applicants
Complete your application through Student Registration.
Faculty
Julian Macoveanu
Faculty
Ph.D. (Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), Karolinska Institute, Sweden, 2006). Ph.D. Licentiate of Engineering (Computational Biology), University of Linköping, Sweden, 2005) MSc. (Biochemistry, Stockholm University, 2002). Postdoctoral Research Associate, Danish Research Center for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR) Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre. With DIS since 2014.
Research Assistantship FAQ
Learn more about research at DIS.
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Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.
Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.
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Many research projects last across several semesters, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.
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On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.
Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.
There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.
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Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.
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Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.
The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.
