Department Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled postdoctoral researcher in statistical/computational genomics. The postdoctoral researcher will join a collaborative team studying the genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to the development of, and outcomes associated with, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and related traits. Areas of focus will be the development and application of polygenic and polyepigenetic scores, evaluation of genetic correlation among psychiatric disorders/traits, investigation of mediators of genetic risk, and the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. An overarching goal is the elucidation of causal paths from (1) genes and early environment to (2) disorders and dimensional traits and (3) long-term outcomes.

Work will be done in several large, publicly-available datasets (e.g., NIMH ABCD Study, Philadelphia Neurodevelopment Cohort, Psychiatric Genomics Consortium) as well as multiple growing, well-characterized, and deeply-phenotyped data sets at the Center for ADHD Research at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. A variety of methods will be applied to the analysis of genome-wide genotype and genome-wide DNA methylation data. Opportunity may also be available to examine neuroimaging data.

Portland is an attractive place to live with a high quality of life. It offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation (ocean and Cascade mountains are only about an hour away), beautiful scenery, the nation's largest urban forest and one of the largest urban parks, bicycle paths, arts and music and other cultural opportunities. Inquiries about this position can be directed to Dr. Mooney (mooneymi@ohsu.edu).

Function/Duties of Position

The postdoctoral researcher on this project would be expected to conduct statistical and computational analyses and to lead manuscript preparation. There is ample opportunity to be lead author on new papers with already-available data, or to carry out specialized analyses, or both depending on career goals.

The candidate will also have the opportunity for advanced training in developmental psychopathology, translational research conceptualization, genomics/epigenomics, statistics, bioinformatics, and machine learning. Training opportunities will be developed commensurate with the interests and skills of the candidate. The position will provide one year of guaranteed funding, with a second year contingent on performance and funding availability. The training faculty include but are not limited to Joel Nigg, Ph.D., Michael Mooney, Ph.D., Nathan Dieckmann, Ph.D., Xubo Song, Ph.D., and Bonnie Nagel, Ph.D. Duties include:

• Analysis and write up of data for publication and presentation of data at national and international meetings
• Conceptualization of data and explanation to others, including data collection staff
• Attend collaborator, staff, lab, and other necessary meetings

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Statistical Genetics, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Psychiatric Genetics, or other relevant field
• Excellent statistical and quantitative skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with R and Python
• Familiarity with genome-wide association analyses, epigenome-wide association analyses, polygenic risk scores, and other downstream analyses of genome-wide data

Additional Details

Apply here online. Please be sure to upload a cover letter and CV.

All are welcome