Post-doctoral Position to Study “How Genetic Factors Contribute to Dementia"
Post-doctoral Position to Study “How Genetic Factors Contribute to Dementia"
University of Liège
Liège, Belgium
ABOUT THE RESEARCH PROJECT
Dave Fardo, PhD, and Pete Nelson, MD, PhD, professor and director of the neuropathology division of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in UK’s College of Medicine (USA), are co-investigators on a project focusing on how genetic factors contribute to dementia. The work was recently awarded funding from the National Institute on Aging that will total more than $1.7 million. The recently funded project, le by Director Nelson of the Neuropathology Core at UK's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC), utilizes data sourced from various ADRCs across the U.S., alongside other dementia research consortia. The project will delve into the exploration of connections between genetic factors and dementia-related pathologies, by using existing and developing novel data analytics. The goal is to leverage the team’s genetic discoveries and innovative statistical approaches to delineate the physiological pathways implicated in disease progression.
Expected Result(s):
The anticipated outcomes encompass various levels of analysis, ranging from methodological advancements, particularly concerning the refinement of individual-specific molecular interaction networks and the translation of pathway insights derived from them. Additionally, the research aims to yield practical implications at the medical level by identifying actionable pathways relevant to the management and care of dementia.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Join us on the frontier of genomic medicine as we unlock new possibilities for precision healthcare:
Research suggests that a systems-oriented approach and the integration of omics data are promising strategies for uncovering molecular subtypes and elucidating pathways involved in complex diseases, such as dementia. By analyzing high-dimensional omics datasets in a systems biology framework, we will identify molecular signatures associated with (different subtypes of) dementia. This integrative approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms underlying the disease, possibly including gene expression changes, protein interactions, and metabolic dysregulation. Furthermore, by considering the interconnectedness of biological pathways and networks, we aim to identify key nodes and pathways dysregulated in specific subtypes of dementia, paving the way for targeted therapeutic interventions and precision medicine approaches.
The team of Prof. Dr. Dr. Kristel Van Steen (BIO3) at the University of Liège in Belgium will spearhead targeted pathway analyses building on network-oriented techniques developed in the group, such as individual-specific network methodology. Individual-specific networks enable linking of an individual to their unique molecular network, comprising of node values and (weighted) connections between nodes tailored to that individual. As a consequence, these networks offer personalized insights into an individual’s molecular makeup and interactions. The project’s activities in the BIO3 research group will be carried out in close collaboration with the University of Kentucky (USA): Dr. Yuriko Katsumata, a research assistant professor in biostatistics, leads efforts to develop novel methodologies for genetic epidemiology data exploration. Additionally, Dr. Mark Ebbert, an assistant professor of biomedical informatics, specializes in investigating historically challenging regions of the human genome. Together we aim to enhance our understanding of individual health profiles, potentially leading to more targeted precision health strategies in dementia.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND ACTIVITIES
- To achieve the aforementioned goals, we are looking for individuals who are passionate about driving scientific innovation to join our team. As a member of BIO3, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers, contribute to groundbreaking discoveries, and make a tangible impact on human health research and education. Whether you're a seasoned expert or a rising star in the field, we welcome scientists with a PhD degree and a multidisciplinary track record who share our vision and are eager to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge.
PROFILE
REQUIRED SKILLS:
- Professional experience:
- Mandatory qualifications include Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees spanning multiple disciplines, with expertise in areas such as machine learning/statistical genetics, bioinformatics/molecular biology, or biotechnology/bioinformatics.
- Experience in Big Data Science;
- Proficiency in R/Bioconductor packages and familiarity with scripting/programming languages such as Bash and Python, as well as experience with Linux environments and computing clusters, is essential;
- Proficiency in utilizing electronic notebooks like Jupyter Notebook or its successor, JupyterLab, is considered essential for candidates in the role of a data scientist or bioinformatician on this project. These tools facilitate accessibility and streamline the integration of scientific explanations with executable code, thereby enabling the creation of reproducible research narratives;
- You are able to handle Big Omics Data (at least DNA, RNA) and are skilled in crafting novel methodologies and algorithms customized for extensive data analysis, especially within the context of precision medicine.
DESIRABLE SKILLS:
- Understanding TinyML fundamentals and their application in edge devices like Raspberry;
- Having a strong foundation in machine learning and (bio-)statistics for statistical genetics is an advantage;
- Experience with containerization with Docker or similar;
- You have strong organizational skills.
HUMAN SKILLS:
- You exhibit strong motivation, creativity, and a proven track record of excellence. You are keen to collaborate within an interdisciplinary setting, bridging the fields of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Biomedicine;
- You demonstrate the ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively within an international team environment;
- You are a team player, with good management skills.
LANGUAGES:
- Exceptional communication skills in both written and spoken English are a prerequisite
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