Postdoctoral Fellow in Statistical Genetics (f/m/x)
Full time39 hrs/week
Neuherberg near Munich
Home Office Options
We are Helmholtz Munich. We discover breakthrough solutions for better health in a rapidly changing world.
We improve people's quality of life through excellent research. Why not join us and make a difference?
The Helmholtz Pioneer Campus (HPC) founded and funded by Helmholtz Munich stands for the intelligent fusion of biomedical sciences, engineering and digitization. At HPC, top scientific talents from across the globe work together on the development of novel solutions that make a difference in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
The Translational Genetics Group headed by Dr Na Cai at HPC is looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow interested in studying the genetic architecture of mental health conditions, their molecular underpinnings, and gene-environmental interactions contributing to disease liability.
The Translational Genetics Group headed by Dr Na Cai is based at the HPC at Helmholtz Munich, and forms part of an extensive network of researchers working on quantitative genetics, single cell genomics, and genetic epidemiology.
We offer a dynamic working environment, advanced training in quantitative genetics and computational biology, and the opportunity to perform inter-disciplinary research with local groups with cutting edge expertise on imaging, single-cell technologies, and animal model systems.
The project
We focus on investigating the genetic contribution to the disease trajectory, heterogeneity, and comorbidities of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). MDD is a common, complex and heterogeneous disorder that presents interesting challenges for genetic studies.
You will use large-scale disease cohorts, biobanks, US-based electronic health records (EHR) and European medical registry data to define and characterize MDD disease trajectories, heterogeneity and comorbidities, as well as how they relate to environmental factors and MDD clinical characteristics. You will be encouraged to propose and design your own hypothesis-driven investigations within the description of this project, and will be fully supported in developing novel statistical or computational approaches to solve these problems, and/or expanding the scope of analysis to related topics through collaborations with computational, clinical and experimental groups both locally and internationally.
Your profile
We are looking for individuals motivated to develop and execute the next breakthrough ideas. Ideal candidates will have:
- PhD in Genetics, Statistics, Computer Science, Bioinformatics or related biological or quantitative disciplines
- Good publication record with evidence of independence (at least one first-author publication in an international journal)
- Strong computing skills including demonstrated competency in scientific programming in a statistical or compiled language
- Experience or knowledge of genome-wide association studies and the use of statistical genetics methods; experience in psychiatric genetics preferred but not necessary.
- Fluent in written and spoken English
If you are a practising clinician (psychiatrist) interested in development of quantitative research methods for genetic research and working on this project, please contact Dr Na Cai in advance to application for discussions of your interests and goals.
Benefits
Since 2005, we hold the TOTAL E-QUALITY award for exemplary action in the sense of an equal-opportunity organizational culture.
Helmholtz Munich is actively committed to diversity and inclusion in practice and is sustainably committed to equality.
The Diversity Charter has set itself the goal of promoting diversity in the world of work. By signing the charter, we commit ourselves to create an appreciative working environment for all employees.
If you fulfil all the requirements, you may be eligible for a salary grade of up to E 13. Social benefits are based on the Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees (TVöD). The position is (initially) limited to 2 years, under certain circumstances an extension can be arranged.
We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.
If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.
Interested in applying?
We look forward to receiving your online application (one-page motivation letter, two-page description of your research experiences, interests and future plans, CV, and contact details of two referees) in a single pdf file. Incoming applications will be reviewed until the position has been filled. Interviews will start at the end of Oct 2023 with a tentative starting date of Jan 15th, 2024.
