Postdoc position in imaging genetics

Genetic factors influence how the brain processes information and regulates behaviour. However, the pathways linking genes to brain function remain poorly understood. In this project, you will investigate the genetic basis of brain activity, focusing on electroencephalographic (EEG) oscillations. These oscillations reflect important processes in communication between brain cells.

As part of the international ENIGMA-EEG consortium, you will combine genetic and EEG data to investigate how genes influence brain activity, behavioural traits and mental health. You will identify genetic variants associated with EEG features, explore their effects on brain activity and investigate links between genetic risk factors and neurodevelopment.

This interdisciplinary, NWO-funded project brings together large-scale datasets and advanced analytical methods, including machine learning, genomics and transcriptomics. Your research will contribute to identifying new EEG biomarkers for mental health disorders and improving our understanding of brain development from childhood to old age.

As a postdoctoral researcher in imaging genetics, you will coordinate data access and integration across the participating ENIGMA-EEG cohorts. You will help develop research projects, communicate with international collaborators and monitor progress across the consortium.

Working with researchers from different disciplines, you will analyse large-scale genetic and EEG datasets through meta-analyses. You will translate your findings into scientific publications and conference presentations. You will also contribute to developing protocols and workflows that standardise EEG analyses across cohorts.

Your responsibilities include:

• Coordinating data collection, access and integration across participating cohorts.
• Developing research projects in collaboration with international consortium members.
• Conducting meta-analyses of genetic and EEG data and contributing to scientific publications.
• Developing and implementing standardised protocols and workflows for EEG analyses.
• Presenting research findings at scientific conferences and collaborating with researchers across international sites.

You will have opportunities to develop your expertise in advanced data analysis methods, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), polygenic scoring, machine learning, advanced EEG analyses and multi-site statistics. We will support your professional development through training and collaboration with experts in genetics, neuroscience and data analysis. The role also offers opportunities to visit collaborating research groups.

You are an enthusiastic and independent researcher who enjoys working across disciplines and collaborating with international research teams. You are interested in the genetic basis of brain function and mental health and are keen to develop your analytical skills.

You also have:

• A PhD in imaging genetics, genetic epidemiology, neuroscience, biological psychology or a related field.
• A strong interest in the project's research topics and the motivation to engage with ENIGMA-EEG cohort members worldwide.
• Experience with data analysis using scripting languages or tools such as Bash, Python and/or R.
• Experience in genetic analysis or physiological data analysis; experience in both is an advantage.
• Experience implementing neural networks is an advantage.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.