Recruitment
Postdoctoral Fellow in Machine Learning for Neuroimaging Genomics
One full-time postdoctoral fellow position, funded by the Neurological Foundation of New Zealand, is available at Narun Pat’s laboratory at the Department of Psychology, University of Otago – Dunedin in the South Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand. See the lab website https://sites.google.com/view/hamneurolab/.
The project involves building predictive models for neurological and mental health using human neuroimaging (f/s/dMRI, EEG) and genomic data from large-scale datasets.
The postdoctoral fellow will collaborate with computer scientists (Associate Professor Jeremiah Deng’s group at the School of Computing), MRI physicists (Associate Professor Tracy Melzer’s group at New Zealand Brain Research Institute in Christchurch) geneticists (Dr Richard Anney’s group at Cardiff University in the UK) and other international and local collaborators.
The postdoctoral fellow is expected to analyse, manage and develop machine/deep learning algorithms for large-scale neuroimaging and/or genomics data, using a national supercomputer and local clusters. The fellow will also disseminate results in major peer-reviewed scientific journals and mentor junior scientists in the laboratory.
Qualifications and Skills
A PhD or equivalent degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Neuroscience, Psychology, Genetics, Statistics, Biomedical Engineering or related fields
Solid experience with deep/machine learning (e.g., keras, pytorch, sklearn, tidymodels) and/or statistics (e.g., structural equation modelling)
Solid experience with computer programming (e.g., Python, R, Julia, Matlab) and supercomputer and/or other bioinformatics tools (e.g., LINUX/shell, docker/Apptainer and Git).
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preference toward applications with solid experience with either
neuroimaging analysis (f/s/dMRI, EEG) with tools such as fmriprep, nilearn, AFNI, FSL, SPM, eeglab, MNEpython and fieldtrip. AND/OR
genomic analysis (GWAS and Polygenic Scores) with tools such as PLINK, GCTA, GCTB and ldsc.
Excellent academic credentials, e.g., a strong publication record.
Duration: This is a one-year position with the expectation of renewal for additional years conditional on performance.
Salary: NZD$86,120 per annum.
We consider both international and domestic applications and encourage Māori and Pasifika applications to apply.
Please send a brief cover letter, C.V., and two representative publications or manuscripts in a single email to narun.pat@otago.ac.nz. Please include names, titles, and contact information for at least two references. Questions about the position may also be sent to the same address.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.