3 Postdoctoral Postions Available!

Analysis of Genomewide Association Studies of Complex Psychiatric Phenotypes

We are seeking candidates for three post-doctoral positions in genetic association studies of complex psychiatric diseases including substance use disorders, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. These positions are funded by a program-project grant from the US National Institute of Drug Abuse and the University Cancer Research Fund from Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in statistical genetics, epidemiology, biostatistics, genetics, statistics, bioinformatics, or a related field and a strong interest in analyzing large-scale complex disease data sets. Funding is available immediately. Capacity to begin work before mid-2008 is important. Very strong data management and statistical analysis skills are essential along with experience using SAS or R. Training in GWAS analysis and bioinformatics will be provided, and should prove sufficient for candidates with rigorous prior training. The position is initially for two years, but can be extended. The work is highly integrative and there will be ample opportunities to publish first-author papers. There are also opportunities to develop new statistical methods under the guidance of senior statistical geneticists. The Sullivan lab is a highly collegial and inter-disciplinary environment with a considerable body of on-going funded research, and most projects are at the forefront of an area.

To apply/obtain more information please email your CV to Helena Furberg at furbergh@gmail.com UNC-CH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities encouraged to apply.

Research Assistant Needed!

A Pharmacogenomic Study of Antipsychotic Side Effects in Mice

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that affects about 1% of the population worldwide. When taken as prescribed, antipsychotic medications can eliminate many of the symptoms and allow people with schizophrenia to live independent and fulfilling lives in the community. Unfortunately, however, there are a number of side effects that lead patients to stop taking their medications (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antipsychotic#Side-effects). If it were possible to predict which patients were likely to develop a particular side effect, by virtue of their genetic makeup, drug treatment of schizophrenia could be more effective.

Genetic studies are required to identify which genes influence sensitivity to side effects, but these studies are difficult to perform in humans. Therefore, we aim to first identify risk factors in the laboratory mouse, using a panel of genetically diverse inbred strains, and then translate these findings into a human study. To this end, we will administer antipsychotic agents to mice, monitor the development of side effects (abnormal movements, weight gain, reduced white blood cell count) and correlate these phenotypes with strain genotypes.

The research assistant would help with this project by scoring videotaped behavioral testing sessions, performing mouse behavioral testing sessions and data analysis. This position is available for pay, credit or volunteer and is open for the fall, spring or summer.

Please contact Jim Crowley, PhD at crowley@unc.edu to apply for this position or ask any questions.