Post doc position Center for Human Genetics Research at Massachusetts
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITION IN PSYCHIATRIC GENETICS
The Petryshen laboratory within the Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit in the Center for Human Genetics Research at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is seeking a motivated, enthusiastic postdoctoral research fellow to join an NIMH-funded international collaborative project investigating the genetics of brain abnormalities in schizophrenia.
The postdoctoral research fellow will examine genetic associations with brain-based intermediate phenotypes (endophenotypes) of schizophrenia in one of the largest sample collections available through collaboration with international investigators. The project will focus on genetic variation implicated in increased risk of developing schizophrenia and its contribution to cognitive deficits and neuroanatomical abnormalities observed in this disorder. The fellow will work closely with collaborating
labs to analyze neuropsychological and structural neuroimaging data from multiple case/control samples, amalgamate phenotype and genotype data across samples, and perform quantitative genetic association analyses of sequence variants and pathways emerging from large-scale genome-wide association studies of schizophrenia. The position will heavily utilize statistical and genetic analysis methods.
The fellow will work in a world-class training environment consisting of clinical and basic research scientists, statistical geneticists, and computational biologists who are leaders in the development of genetic analysis methods, human genetic studies of psychiatric and other multifactorial disorders, and animal and cellular model studies of genetic diseases.
The projected start is Dec 1, 2012 or later. A two-year commitment is expected, with possible extension for another 2 years. The fellow will have joint appointments at MGH and Harvard Medical School.
Responsibilities:
§ Analyze neuropsychological and neuroimaging data from multiple schizophrenia case/control samples, including data imputation, analysis of distributions, data standardization, factor analysis.
§ Analyze candidate gene and genome-wide SNP data from multiple case/control samples, including genotype data quality control and imputation, regression analysis, power estimation.
§ Investigate SNP, CNV, and pathway genetic associations with phenotypic data.
§ Work closely with international collaborators to curate and analyze phenotype and genotype data.
§ Present results at internal and external meetings, and prepare manuscripts reporting results.
Qualifications:
§ PhD in Biostatistics, Statistical Genetics, Epidemiology, or related field.
§ Strong background in biostatistical methods (descriptive statistics, data standardization, factor analysis, etc.) and familiarity with genetic analysis methods (genotype data imputation, linear regression).
§ Experience analyzing quantitative biological data, preferably neuropsychological and imaging data.
§ Experience with statistical software and programming languages (e.g., SPSS, SAS, or R), and UNIX operating system.
§ Familiarity with PLINK genetic analysis software is desirable but not required.
§ Ability to learn new analysis techniques and implement new software tools.
§ Strong initiative, excellent multitasking skills, and ability to lead projects with minimal supervision.
Interested candidates should email their CV and names of 3 references to Dr. Tracey Petryshen