Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neuroimaging Genomics and Epigenetics Full-time

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neuroimaging Genomics and Epigenetics

The Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with expertise in human brain imaging and genomics. The position is available for an initial term of two years, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. The fellow will work under the direct supervision of Prof. Sophia Frangou, President's Excellence Chair in Brain Health at the Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Heath (Vancouver Campus).

The fellow will contribute to studies investigating genomic and epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to individual variation in brain structure and function across development and ageing, and in neuropsychiatric disorders. The research will integrate human neuroimaging with genomic and epigenomic information to identify molecular processes associated with variation in brain morphology, connectivity and function. The fellow will work at the interface of neuroscience, statistical genomics and computational analysis, with opportunities to develop independent lines of enquiry within the broader research programme.

Research focus and responsibilities

• Develop and implement analyses that link genomic and epigenomic variation with individual differences in human brain structure and function.
• Analyze multimodal neuroimaging data, including structural, diffusion and/or functional MRI, in conjunction with genomic and epigenomic measures.
• Examine how epigenetic processes relate to brain variation across development and ageing and to heterogeneity within neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Apply rigorous statistical, computational and multivariate methods to large and complex datasets, with careful attention to reproducibility and validation.
• Lead the preparation of manuscripts and scientific presentations and contribute to collaborative publications, grant development and dissemination of findings.
• Work closely with investigators and trainees across neuroscience, psychiatry, genetics, genomics and data science, and contribute to the intellectual life of the research group and Department.
• Contribute to mentoring and knowledge exchange within the research team where appropriate.

Qualifications and experience

Essential qualifications

A PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree completed by the time of appointment, in neuroscience, genetics or genomics, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, computational biology, psychology, epidemiology or a closely related discipline.

Demonstrated expertise in the analysis of human neuroimaging data and in genomics, statistical genetics or genomic data analysis.

Strong quantitative and programming skills, with experience in R, Python or comparable scientific computing environments.

A record of rigorous research and peer-reviewed publication appropriate to career stage.

Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to multidisciplinary and collaborative research.

Strong written and oral communication skills and a commitment to reproducible, transparent research practices.

Desirable experience

Analysis of epigenetic or epigenomic data, including DNA methylation or related molecular measures.

Integration of imaging with genomic, epigenomic or other molecular data using multivariate, statistical-genetic or machine-learning approaches.

Research involving developmental, ageing or neuropsychiatric cohorts, including longitudinal or large-scale population datasets.

High-performance computing, reproducible workflow development, version control and collaborative data-science practices.

Salary

The expected salary range for this position is CAD $70,000 to $75,000 per annum at 1.0 FTE, commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please submit your application directly to Dr. Sophia Frangou at sophia.frangou@ubc.ca, including the following:

• Your CV
• A personal statement
• Names and contact information of three referees

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The successful candidate will demonstrate a willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own, and a commitment to enhancing their awareness, knowledge and skills related to equity, diversity and inclusion.

We invite applications from qualified candidates who share our commitment to employment equity and inclusive excellence, and we welcome applications from candidates belonging to historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized groups, including Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and trans and non-binary people.

About UBC

As one of the world's leading universities, the University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged.

With gratitude, we acknowledge that the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine and its distributed programs are located on traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of First Nations Peoples and communities around the province.