University of Tartu is recruiting a Researcher in Psychiatric Genetics. The Institute of Genomics at the University of Tartu is looking for a postdoctoral researcher with a deep interest in understanding mental and somatic comorbidities to join our neuropsychiatric genomics team. The candidate will be offered to work with a large data-rich Estonian Biobank resource (more than 200 000 participants), take leadership in running research projects and to work internationally with the world’s top researchers in the field. The candidate is expected to actively participate in international consortium collaboration projects to gain critical insight into the genetic underpinnings of psychiatric disorders and into the interplay between mental and somatic health.
We host, develop and manage the population-based, longitudinal Estonian Biobank representing about 20% of Estonia’s adult population (200,000 participants), established in 2000. The whole cohort is fully genetically characterized by whole-genome genotyping arrays, 3,000 individuals are additionally whole-genome, and 2,500 whole-exome sequenced. The data repository is linked with national electronic health records, National Health Insurance Fund’s database and hospital databases for up-to-date phenotypic information. In addition, we have recently completed a thorough online questionnaire-based mental health data collection in the full cohort (86,000 respondents).
We use these large comprehensive genetic and health datasets to perform a wide range of genetics and genomics analyses, including GWAS and PheWAS studies to identify genetic variants and genes associated with health and disease outcomes. Also, research projects on the return of individual genomic results (such as polygenic risk scores, high impact alleles and clinically actionable mutations) to biobank participants are ongoing, translating our basic research into clinical practice.
We offer an excellent opportunity to be part of leading large national and international projects, working in the forefront of health research with a potential impact on personalised medicine, healthcare and well-being. The groups of neuropsychiatric genomics and pharmacogenomics includes young and highly motivated researchers on all career levels. Our friendly, flexible, and supportive working culture make us a great place to work.
Required experience
Essential skills
• Extensive experience with data analysis and epidemiological statistical methods
• Basic knowledge in genetic epidemiology and genetics of complex traits
• Excellent analytical skills with statistical software (e.g. R, Stata etc)
• Strong scientific communication, writing and presentation skills
• Proactive, solution-oriented and responsible team player
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
Desired skills
• Experience with behavioral or mental health research
• Experience with commonly used statistical genetics tools (e.g. Plink, LD score regression, LDpred)
• Expertise in somatic disease research (e.g. cardiovascular, respiratory, immunological diseases)
• Experience with research using electronic health records or national registries
• Previous experience of international collaboration
• Experience in team or project management
• Supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Deadline for Documents: 1.12.2021
In case of questions about this position, please do not hesitate to contact:
Dr. Kelli Lehto, Associate Professor in neuropsychiatric genetics, kelli.lehto@ut.ee
More info and application details: https://www.nature.com/naturecareers/job/research-fellow-of-psychiatric-genetics-university-of-tartu-747186
Position starting at: 15.01.2022, temporary contract to 14.01.2024
Workload: 1,00
Application deadline: 01.12.2021
Salary: According to the University of Tartu salary rules and depending on the candidate’s qualification and experience