PhD Student: Genetic networks of Tourette’s Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | Radboud University Medical Centre

As a PhD student, you will participate in the EU Marie-Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) supported project entitled 'TS-EUROTRAIN’.

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder that presents early in childhood and is marked by the appearance of multiple motor and vocal tics and high comorbidity rates with other neurodevelopmental disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Because of the complex nature of its etiology and phenomenology, the study of TS requires the collaboration of highly multidisciplinary teams of investigators and offers a breadth of opportunities for training that crosses disciplines and sectors. Our Initial Training Network (ITN) aims to provide interdisciplinary training in the field of TS and related neurodevelopmental disorders, through the concerted efforts of experts at the leading edge of psychiatry, psychology, neurology, neuroscience, genetics, statistics and bioinformatics both from the academic and the private sector. The projects that will be undertaken by the Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) of this ITN, under the supervision of leading experts from across Europe and around the world, will lead to significant innovations, shedding light into the etiology and pathology of TS and related disorders. Particular attention will be given to the bioinformatics of –omics related datasets (including GWAS) from childhood neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly Tourette’s Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Interested candidates should demonstrate proficiency in one or more of the following skills a) bioinformatics, e.g. with Ingenuity IPA or similar b) mathematical modeling, c) R-based genetic analytical tools, d) microarrays, e) RNA sequencing , f) qPCR, g) computational neuroscience. Good computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office and statistical software is a prerequisite.

You will be responsible for collecting, analyzing and reporting this data with a particular focus on the creation / validation of novel genetic (and other –omic) networks. You will write at least 4 papers on this data, resulting in a doctoral dissertation. You will devote about 10% of your time to the supervision of BSc and MSc level theses on similar topics and work in a multidisciplinary team. You will participate in educational activities (i.e. teaching students).

This project will be supervised by Dr. Jeffrey Glennon / Prof. Jan Buitelaar and involve interaction with other TS-EUROTRAIN sites particularly those in the groups of Dr. P. Paschou (Democritus University of Thrace, Greece), Dr. J. Scharf (Massachusetts General Hospital), and Dr. P. Hoekstra (University Medical Centre Groningen, NL), Prof. DI Boomsma, (Vrije University Amsterdam, NL) and deCODE Genetics (Iceland). The training of the PhD student will take place within the Donders Centre for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour of the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUNMC), a leading neuroscience institute based in Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Profile

1. Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Neuroscience, Psychology, Pharmacology, Genetics or Molecular Biology

2. A strong interest in genetics / molecular biology research, cognitive functioning and psychopathology

3. Affinity for and (preferably) experience with one or more of the skills listed above

4. The ambition to become an independent top-level scientist

5. A good command of written and spoken English

6. Excellent team-player / communication and social skills

Organization

The mission of the Donders Centre for Neuroscience is to obtain insight in the structure and function of the neuronal processes that are involved in cognition and in these genetic processes that are responsible for the development, plasticity and degeneration of the brain. The research requires an interdisciplinary approach, focusing on all levels from molecule to man.

Comments and contact information

You will be appointed as a junior researcher (1 FTE) for a total of 3 years. Your performance will be evaluated after 1 year. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2 years.

The starting salary will be according to the Dutch CAO UMC guidelines.

For more information please contact Dr. Jeffrey Glennon +31 (0)24 3610362, Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε. (Use this E-mail address only for information. For application use the Apply button).

This position will remain open until 25/09/2013 or until filled.