Please click on the links below (or scroll down) to read more about
available postdoctoral opportunities:

• Postdoctoral Position Psychiatric Genomics
• Postdoctoral Position Neurobiology of Schizophrenia
• TWO POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS are available immediately in the laboratory of Dr. Lilia Lakoucheva
• Post-Doctoral Scholar in Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Other Mental Disorders: Problem Gambling   
• Postdoctoral Position in Neuroimaging and Twin Research
  

Postdoctoral Position - Psychiatric Genomics

Postdoctoral Positions are available in the Beyster Center for Molecular Genomics of Neuropsychiatric Disease at UCSD. The Sebat laboratory is developing novel mutation-discovery approaches for the identification of risk genes for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism. Our group is using high-throughput genomic methods including Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and microarray CGH to carry out comprehensive studies of genetic variation within and across multiple disorders. The goal of these studies is to identify the disease-relevant mutations and to understand how the disruption of genes and gene networks contributes to mental illness.
Central to these studies is development of new bioinformatics approaches to the analysis of very large genomic datasets. Some important computational challenges include the design of statistical techniques for testing the disease association of rare variants in genes and pathways and the design of methods for integrating genomic and clinical data.
We are seeking a talented and highly motivated computational scientist with an interest in developing and applying new bioinformatics approaches to large scale genetic studies. Excellent bioinformatic and programming skills, a background in genomics and a strong publication record are required. Applicants should send a CV and a list of three references by email to jsebat@ucsd.edu or by mail to:

Jonathan Sebat, Ph. D.
Chief, Beyster Center for Molecular Genomics of Neuropsychiatric Diseases
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychiatry
Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
University Of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CA 92093

Postdoctoral Position – Neurobiology of Schizophrenia

Postdoctoral positions are available in the Beyster Center for Molecular Genomics of Neuropsychiatric Disease at UCSD. Research in the Sebat laboratory is focused on the identification and characterization of risk genes for neuropsychiatric disorders. A new area of interest in our lab is in understanding how cellular processes in neurons are affected by schizophrenia-associated mutations. We are developing genetic models of schizophrenia in mouse, and we are developing in vitro models of disease mutations in human using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines.
Projects include (1) the development of iPSCs from patients with schizophrenia and related disorders, and the molecular and cellular characterization of neuronal cell types and (2) molecular and cellular characterization of mouse models of novel disease mutations identified in our ongoing genetic studies. The candidate will have a Ph.D. with a background in developmental biology or neuroscience. Experience working with iPSCs or Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) is preferred. Applicants should send a CV and a list of three references by email to jsebat@ucsd.edu or by mail to:

Jonathan Sebat, Ph. D.
Chief, Beyster Center for Molecular Genomics of Neuropsychiatric Diseases
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychiatry
Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
University Of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CA 92093

TWO POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS
are available in the laboratory of
Dr. Lilia Iakoucheva

COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY OF NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

A postdoctoral position is open to applicants with strong computational biology/systems biology/bioinformatics/statistics backgrounds who are
interested in applying their experience to study systems biology of
psychiatric disorders including autism and schizophrenia. The focus of
the project is to develop computational, mathematical and statistical
methods applicable to the analysis of the large-scale genetic, genomic
and proteomic datasets. The final goal of the project is to discover
networks and pathways involved in these brain disorders.

Qualified candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent in Computer
Science, Biology, Bioinformatics, Mathematics, Engineering or related
field, and expertise in statistics, genomics, network analysis, and
systems biology. Strong algorithm development and programming skills
(Perl, Java, C++ and Python) as well as knowledge of Unix, SQL, and
statistical packages are required. The ability to work with
heterogeneous high-throughput biological data, such as protein-protein
interaction and gene expression data, and the familiarity with protein
sequence and structure analysis are also essential for this position.
The successful candidate should have a demonstrated ability for
independent and critical thinking, excellent communication and teamwork
skills, and strong publication record (at least two first-author
publications are required). Please send a resume and a brief statement
summarizing research interests and experience to lilyak@ucsd.edu.

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS OF AUTISM

A postdoctoral position is available for research into the molecular
basis of autism and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
The goal of the research program is to study the functional impact of
disease-associated copy number variants (CNVs) identified in large-
scale genetic studies. This position is open to applicants with
extensive laboratory experience and solid molecular biology and protein
biochemistry backgrounds who are interested in investigating molecular
mechanisms of psychiatric diseases. Duties and responsibilities will
include to plan, organize and conduct experiments using various
molecular biological techniques including RNA purification, real-time
PCR, Western blotting, plasmid vector design, EMSA, ChIP, SDS-PAGE,
protein expression and purification. Experience with common
bioinformatics methods, tools, websites and data resources (in
particular genome sequence analysis) is highly desired, and experience
retrieving, manipulating and managing data from public data
repositories such as NCBI, UCSC, and Ensembl is also essential. The
successful candidate should have a demonstrated ability for independent
and critical thinking, excellent communication and teamwork skills, and
strong publication record (at least two first-author publications are
required). Please send a resume and a brief statement summarizing
research interests and experience to lilyak@ucsd.edu.

2011 Post-Doctoral Scholar in
Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Other Mental Disorders: Problem Gambling

The UCSD Bridge to Recovery Program is seeking applicants for a one to two year post-doctoral scholar in co-occurring substance abuse and other mental disorders with an emphasis on problem gambling. The UCSD Bridge to Recovery Program is an innovative program that implements the SBIRT Model (Screening, Brief Intervention and Treatment) for substance abuse  in a psychiatric hospital setting, mental health Walk-In Centers and a senior center. Research will focus on the implementation of screening for problem gambling, development of brief intervention strategies and their outcomes in these settings.

Postdoctoral Duties and Responsibilities

The scholar will play a central role in developing and implementing the SBIRT model for problem gambling in the settings described above and studying outcomes. In addition the scholar will assist in development and implementation of other research projects and outcome studies of the Bridge to Recovery Program and in preparation of reports and manuscripts. The ideal candidate will have a background in services research methodology, have excellent organizational and writing abilities and be able to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions. The candidate should also have clinical experience with addictions and/or severe mental disorders.

The scholar will work under the supervision of Patricia A. Judd, Ph.D with additional supervision by Diana Panizzon, Psy.D. and will be part of the UCSD COD research team. The Scholar will also assist in selection and supervision of research assistants as needed. Multiple additional learning opportunities are available within the Department. Scholars participate in meetings with other services' researchers within the Department, receive weekly clinical supervision, participate in evaluation team meetings, seminars and research supervision. Scholars will be encouraged to develop independent services' research, to publish and present research findings, and will be supported in seeking extramural funding.

To apply, please send to:
Patricia A. Judd, Ph.D.
UCSD Outpatient Psychiatric Services
140 Arbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 543-6309

   1. Verification of planned completion of a Ph.D. in Clinical or Counseling           Psychology from an APA accredited program by July 1, 2011
   2. Letter of interest
   3. Curriculum vitae
   4. Three letters of reference

Postdoctoral Position in Neuroimaging and Twin Research

The Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego is pleased to invite applications for a postdoctoral research scholar position in neuroimaging and behavior genetics under the direction of Drs. William Kremen (Psychiatry) and Anders Dale (Radiology and Neuroscience).  The position focuses on training in the application of sophisticated neuroimaging methods (structural MRI, DTI, fMRI, and ASL) plus psychometric techniques (particularly twin analyses) that will be applied to the NIH/NIA-funded Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging (VETSA) in collaboration with investigators at Boston University, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Virginia Commonwealth University.  VETSA is a unique longitudinal study of over 600 middle-aged male twin pairs that focuses on understanding cognitive and brain aging.  Over 500 individual twins have undergone 3D structural MRI and DTI in VETSA wave 1.  These twins also underwent extensive neurocognitive assessment, personality and psychosocial measures, a medical history interview, in-lab physical health measures such as blood pressure and pulmonary function, and hormonal assays for cortisol, testosterone, and DHEAS.  DNA has been obtained from all subjects and, to date, they have been genotyped for APOE. Genome-wide genotyping of all VETSA subjects is planned. Wave 2 of the project, which was recently funded, will acquire five-year follow-up data, and also include fMRI and ASL scans.  Applications from many disciplines may be considered, and the position is open to qualified international applicants.  Requirements for the position are: 1) completion of relevant Ph.D. research activities within the past five years; 2) advanced writing and advanced statistical or neuroimaging skills, and 3) an interest in imaging genetics research.  Experience with multilevel data analysis, twin modeling, genetics, and/or neuroimaging is desirable.  The postdoctoral candidate will be encouraged to develop his or her own research projects that fit within the overall scope of the project.  The position will entail immersion in MR image analysis including  FreeSurfer and other methods, and in twin modeling (e.g., using Mx software).  This advertisement is for a 2-year appointment beginning immediately.  

To apply, please send:

            1.  A brief statement of research interest and goals, and any selected reprints
            2.  A copy of your CV
            3.  Names and addresses of three references.

For additional information or to apply, contact:

            William S. Kremen, Ph.D., Professor
            Department of Psychiatry
            University of California, San Diego
            9500 Gilman Drive (MC 0738)
            La Jolla, CA 92093-0738
            Tel:  858-822-2393
            Email:  wkremen@ucsd.edu