Postdoc position in imaging genetics

About the project

Genetic factors influence how the brain processes information and regulates behaviour. However, the pathways linking genes to brain function remain poorly understood. In this project, you will investigate the genetic basis of brain activity, focusing on electroencephalographic (EEG) oscillations. These oscillations reflect important processes in communication between brain cells.

As part of the international ENIGMA-EEG consortium, you will combine genetic and EEG data to investigate how genes influence brain activity, behavioural traits and mental health. You will identify genetic variants associated with EEG features, explore their effects on brain activity and investigate links between genetic risk factors and neurodevelopment.

This interdisciplinary, NWO-funded project brings together large-scale datasets and advanced analytical methods, including machine learning, genomics and transcriptomics. Your research will contribute to identifying new EEG biomarkers for mental health disorders and improving our understanding of brain development from childhood to old age.

About the role

As a postdoctoral researcher in imaging genetics, you will coordinate data access and integration across the participating ENIGMA-EEG cohorts. You will help develop research projects, communicate with international collaborators and monitor progress across the consortium.

Working with researchers from different disciplines, you will analyse large-scale genetic and EEG datasets through meta-analyses. You will translate your findings into scientific publications and conference presentations. You will also contribute to developing protocols and workflows that standardise EEG analyses across cohorts.

Your responsibilities include:

• Coordinating data collection, access and integration across participating cohorts.
• Developing research projects in collaboration with international consortium members.
• Conducting meta-analyses of genetic and EEG data and contributing to scientific publications.
• Developing and implementing standardised protocols and workflows for EEG analyses.
• Presenting research findings at scientific conferences and collaborating with researchers across international sites.

You will have opportunities to develop your expertise in advanced data analysis methods, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), polygenic scoring, machine learning, advanced EEG analyses and multi-site statistics. We will support your professional development through training and collaboration with experts in genetics, neuroscience and data analysis. The role also offers opportunities to visit collaborating research groups.

Profile

You are an enthusiastic and independent researcher who enjoys working across disciplines and collaborating with international research teams. You are interested in the genetic basis of brain function and mental health and are keen to develop your analytical skills.

You also have:

• A PhD in imaging genetics, genetic epidemiology, neuroscience, biological psychology or a related field.
• A strong interest in the project's research topics and the motivation to engage with ENIGMA-EEG cohort members worldwide.
• Experience with data analysis using scripting languages or tools such as Bash, Python and/or R.
• Experience in genetic analysis or physiological data analysis; experience in both is an advantage.
• Experience implementing neural networks is an advantage.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

Our offer

• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A 12-month contract, with the intention to extend it for an additional year.
• Classification in salary scale 10: € 3.724 to € 5.867 gross for full-time employment (depending on experience). In addition to a good basic salary, we offer 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Calculate your net salary here.
• Holiday hours: 194.4 per year for full time and a possibility to save additional hours.
• 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs. If you travel by foot, bicycle, or car, a mileage allowance of €0.21 per km applies (up to a maximum of 40 km one way by car).
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.

Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

About the workplace

You will join the international ENIGMA-EEG consortium, a multidisciplinary collaboration investigating the genetics of brain activity. The consortium connects universities and research groups in the United States, Europe and Australia, including teams in New York, Minnesota, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Barcelona, Leipzig, Berlin and Brisbane. The project is led by dr. Dirk Smit and co-chaired by dr. Philippe Jawinski from Humboldt University in Berlin.

You will also become part of the Genetic Epidemiology research group within the department of Psychiatry at Amsterdam UMC. The group consists of four principal investigators, three assistant professors and more than fifteen postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates. Together, they investigate the genetics of a wide range of complex traits, including mental health conditions, substance use, brain structure and function, socioeconomic outcomes, cardiovascular disease and musicality.

Our group has an open and accessible culture where collaboration, knowledge sharing and new ideas are encouraged. You will also collaborate with the Psychiatric Imaging research group, led by prof. dr. Guido van Wingen, which specialises in machine learning for imaging research. In addition, the group actively participates in international research networks, including Genetics Network Amsterdam (GENE Amsterdam) and the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC).

Amsterdam UMC Research BV

Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.

Watch the video to find out more.

Let's meet

During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.

The first round of interviews is tentatively scheduled for 24 November. A second round of interviews may take place two weeks later.

If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Dr. Dirk Smit, at [email protected].

A reference check, screening and hiring assessment may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).

Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be considered.