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Welcome to the website for the University of Pennsylvania's Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) Neuroimaging training grant. This T32 provides 2 years of support for up to 3 predoctoral and 2 postdoctoral trainees. This program provides interdisciplinary training in neuroimaging methods and applications in ADRD with both a common curriculum and a specialized focus on three translational pathways:

  • Neuroimaging Biomarkers & Trials for ADRD
  • Computational Approaches in Neuroimaging
  • Structural, Physiological, and Molecular Neuroimaging of Disease Mechanisms

The directors of this program are:

  • Corey McMillan - Program Director
  • John Detre - Co-director

We are currently accepting applications for postdoctoral trainees; please see the announcement below for more details and how to apply.

 

 

Call for Applications

T32 Predoctoral & Postdoctoral Fellowship Call for Nominations

Translational Neuroimaging in Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementia

 

Training Program Summary: Neuroimaging has become a leading strategy used for translational research in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), as well as a prominent biomarker strategy for defining preclinical stages of ADRD, for clinical differential diagnosis of ADRD, and for evaluating for target engagement and therapeutic responses in clinical trials. Modern neuroimaging is an inherently interdisciplinary field combining expertise in neuroscience, biostatistics, and bioengineering. Additional expertise in topics such as genomics and basic science disease mechanisms are also required to translate neuroimaging in ADRD research. This proposed cross-disciplinary training program will provide two years of support for predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees from both biological and quantitative science backgrounds with the training required to develop a research career focusing on neuroimaging in ADRD. A core course curriculum will cover neuroimaging methods and additionally include specialized training in the Responsible Conduct of Research, Experimental Rigor, and Transparency and its application to neuroimaging. This program has 3 research specializations:

  • Imaging Disease Mechanisms (e.g., animal models, PET tracer development)
  • Biomarkers and Neuroimaging Trials (e.g., diagnostic MRI/PET biomarkers)
  • Statistical and Computational Approaches (e.g., imaging-genomics, AI, machine learning)

 

Available Positions & Eligibility:

  • Two slots for postdoctoral fellows (PhD or MD/PhD) in the Biomedical Postdoctoral Program (BPP) or Bioengineering.
  • Three slots for predoctoral PhD students in either the Neuroscience Graduate Group (NGG), Bioengineering Graduate Group (BEGG), or Graduate Group in Epidemiology & Biostatistics (GGEB). ** note: predoctoral slots are currently filled
  • Predocs should be in their 2nd-4th year and Postdocs in their 1st-3rd year of their training programs to allow two years of participation in this training program.
  • There may be ability to accommodate trainees who are not in the above Penn programs or outside the training windows but they must first consult with the Program Director to discuss eligibility.
  • All trainees must meet NIH requirements for U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals or individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

 

Application Procedures:

  • Research Statement: please provide a 1-page specific aims format page that describes a research project using neuroimaging in ADRD and specify how it relates to one of the 3 specializations described above.
  • Personal Statement: please provide a 1 page personal statement that describes your past research experience and how participation in this training program will further your career goals.
  • Candidate Biosketch: please provide a 5-page NIH style biosketch.
  • Letter(s) of Support: please provide 1-2 letters of support.

 

Please address any questions and send a single PDF containing all application materials to the Program Director, Corey McMillan (cmcmilla@pennmedicine.upenn.edu), by May 1st, 2025.

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