The labs of Madeleine Sharp (Montreal Neurological Institute) and Yashar Zeighami (Douglas Research Centre) are recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to study the phenotypic variability of Parkinson’s disease using multi-modal datasets.
We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the laboratories of Madeleine Sharp MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute at McGill University and Yashar Zeighami PhD, Assistant Professor pf Psychiatry, Douglas Research Centre at McGill University to study the phenotypic variability of Parkinson’s disease using multi-modal datasets.
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by marked heterogeneity in both the clinical manifestations of the disease and the progression of disease. The goal of the present research project is to understand to what degree this heterogeneity stems from differences in the underlying neurobiology of PD (e.g., different disease ‘biotypes’) versus differences in ’host’ factors (e.g., age, sex, social determinants of health, cardiovascular disease, co-morbid neuropathologies). The project will leverage existing large open or local datasets (UKBB, PPMI, FoxInsight, QPN) and apply a disease modelling approach to examine the effect of host factors on PD clinical outcomes, the differential heterogeneity of key clinical outcomes such as mood and cognitive symptoms in PD versus control populations, and the differential progression over time and with age of these outcomes. Neuroimaging, clinical, self-report and behavioural data will primarily be used.
Candidates with a strong computational background are encouraged to apply. Competitive candidates should have a strong background in data analysis, neuroimaging (including structural and functional MRI) and application of these skills to clinical questions. They should be comfortable with manuscript preparation and supervision of graduate students and research assistants.
The applicant will split their time between the Montreal Neurological Institute and the Douglas Research Institute. Both institutes are affiliated with McGill University and home to vibrant neuroscience research communities spanning the rage of basic to clinical research with an emphasis on translational research. The successful applicant will have access to a wide range of weekly seminars as well as professional development opportunities through McGill University.
Required qualifications:
- PhD in Neuroscience, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, or related field
- Track record of first author publications and excellent writing skills
- Experience with data analysis and proficiency with at least one of R, MATLAB, and Python programming, as well as experience with bash and working with computing clusters.
- Experience with neuroimaging analysis packages (e.g. FreeSurfer, MINCToolKits, SPM, FSL)
This is a 1- to 2-year position with possibility for extension based on obtention of competitive post-doctoral funding. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Interested applicants should send their statement of interest and their CV to Madeleine Sharp atmadeleine.sharp@mcgill.ca and Yashar Zeighami at yashar.zeighami@mcgill.ca AND apply here:https://mcgill.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/McGill_Careers/job/Montreal-Neuro/Postdoctoral-Researcher_JR0000052302-1
McGill University is committed to equity in employment and diversity. It welcomes applications from women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, visible minorities, and others who may contribute to further diversification. In Quebec, “Postdoctoral Fellow” is a regulated category of trainee. Notably, a postdoctoral candidate must be within five years of graduating with a Ph.D. For more information, please consult www.mcgill.ca/gps/postdocs/fellows<https://www.mcgill.ca/gps/postdocs/fellows>.