Postdoctoral Researcher in Psychiatric Genetic Epidemiology

The Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (MEB) is among the largest departments of epidemiology in Europe with special focus on increasing our knowledge of the aetiology of different diseases. Our department consists of researchers, doctoral students, biostatisticians, data collectors and database administrators as well as administrative personnel, in total some 250 staff. The department is situated at campus Solna. Further information can be found at ki.se/meb

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The psychiatric genetic epidemiology group within MEB is comprised of numerous researchers ranging from graduate students to senior professors. Several large case-control and cohort populations are available with genetic data and complete medical and demographic information. The research is performed in an interdisciplinary setting with strong collaboration with clinical departments and other national and international research groups. The current project will be led by Dr. Sarah Bergen in collaboration with Profs. Kenneth Kendler, Paul Lichtenstein, and Patrick Sullivan. We are searching for a dedicated and creative postdoctoral researcher for an appointment of 2 years.

Your mission

The postdoctoral research will involve evaluation of environmental risk factors for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and the extent to which these are shared between these disorders. Studies to assess gene-environment interaction will follow using both indirect (family history) and direct (molecular genetic) assessments of genetic risk for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in relation to environmental exposures. Most data to be used will be derived from the Swedish National Registers. However, the molecular genetic data is available from large-scale studies of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder collected within Sweden. We offer flexible working conditions. For more information, please contact Dr. Sarah Bergen at the email address below.

Your profile

Applicants should have a PhD in molecular or genetic epidemiology. Prospective candidates should be skilled in statistical analyses and epidemiological methods, including regression analyses (logistic and linear regression models). Applicants should have experience analyzing large population datasets such as data from national register/cohort studies and have experience with analysis of molecular genetic data such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) i.e SNP microarrays, sequencing data. Knowledge of the limitations and the common statistical issues of GWAS is a benefit. Applicants should also be proficient coding in R and SAS. Psychiatric genetics knowledge and evidence of publishing in this research field, specifically knowledge of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, is an advantage. Successful candidates will have a high level of English proficiency and experience with publishing research articles.

Qualified to be employed as a postdoctor is one who has obtained a doctorate or has equivalent scientific competence. It is considered as an advantage if you have completed your doctoral degree within the last three years, if there are special reasons, your degree may have been completed earlier. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) date of employment. This must be substantiated by the applicant's main supervisor, director or equivalent.

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote a better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several benefits through our collective agreement.

Location: Solna

Application

An employment application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

A complete resumé, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
A complete list of publications
A summary of current work (no more than one page)

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all