Postdoctoral Researcher, Birkbeck University London
Postdoctoral Researcher
Ref 10649
Fixed term for 24 months, with possibility of extension
A new Medical Research Council-funded study is beginning that aims to investigate the genetic and environmental causes of psychotic experiences in adolescence. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, the most common psychotic disorders, are severe conditions that usually begin in early adulthood. Very little is known about the causes of psychotic experiences when they first begin to emerge in adolescence, before the onset of psychotic disorders. This research is led by Dr Angelica Ronald and supported by a team of collaborators with expertise in this area. The position offered is for 24 months.
The post will be held at the Genes Environment Lifespan (GEL) laboratory within the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development. The GEL lab conducts quantitative genetic research on complex traits and disorders across the lifespan. The Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development focuses on brain and psychological development in typically and atypically developing individuals from infancy to adolescence using behavioural testing, behavior genetics and brain imaging methods. The Centre currently involves about forty people all part of a strong team in a friendly working environment. The GEL laboratory’s web address is http://www.gel.bbk.ac.uk and the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development ‘s web address is http://www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/ . The GEL lab is part of Birkbeck’s Genetics Grouping, which reflects a strategic drive to develop multidisciplinary genetics research at Birkbeck’s Department of Psychological Science.
The purpose of the job is to conduct quantitative genetic research on psychotic experiences in adolescence. There may also be the opportunity to conduct molecular genetic association analyses. The post holder will be responsible for some data collection via in-person interviewing of participants, co-ordinating the project under the supervision of the principal investigator, and data analyses and the write up of publications.
Applicants should have attained, or be nearing completion of, a PhD in quantitative genetics or a closely related discipline. Interest in psychopathology or psychiatry is desirable. Skills in quantitative genetics, and twin model-fitting in particular, are highly desirable. Applicants should be enthusiastic, well motivated and be able to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
Salary: Grade 7. Starting salary of £33,966 (including London Allowance of £2,934 per annum)
The closing date for completed applications is 12 March 2012.
Interview date tbc.
To apply for this position please go to www.bbk.ac.uk/jobs and search using reference number 10646.
If you have difficulties accessing this site please email, humanresources@bbk.ac.uk, quoting the appropriate reference in the subject header.
Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Angelica Ronald, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet street, London. Email: a.ronald@bbk.ac.uk, in the first instance.
Birkbeck is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all candidates irrespective of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, religious belief and sexual orientation.