Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher in Genomic Data Science Department: FutureNeuro/ School Of Pharmacy And Biomolecular Sciences Reporting to: Gianpiero Cavalleri Location: 118 SSG (FutureNeuro Offices) Contract/Duration: Special Purpose Contract (up to 24 months) Remuneration: Postdoc PD1, IUA Scale Closing Date: 23:45 on Sunday 8th of February **** About FutureNeuro FutureNeuro is a national research centre focused on chronic and rare neurological diseases, funded by Research Ireland and hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
With research activities in seven leading Irish academic institutions, our research portfolio brings together multidisciplinary scientific teams with clinicians and industry to deliver advances in diagnostic medicine, personalized and network therapeutics, cross-linked by a national e-Health infrastructure platform that is disease-focused.
We have performed exceptionally in securing and leading large internationally- and nationally-funded research programmes.
We work collaboratively with world-leading pharma companies to deliver translational research projects and we have a robust Public and Patient Engagement programme to inform our research and communicate advances in brain research.
The Centre has initially focused on epilepsy and motor neurone disease and is now transferring this model to other neurological conditions.
Further information about FutureNeuro is available at Summary of Post This postdoctoral data scientist position is funded by the Research Ireland FutureNeuro Centre for Translational Brain Science.
The successful candidate will focus on identifying novel genetic risk factors and modifiers that can improve the stratification of patients with epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
The project will leverage large, existing datasets and build on key findings from ongoing FutureNeuro Centre research.
The postdoctoral data scientist will integrate GWAS, exome, and whole-genome sequencing datasets to identify new genetic predictors and stratifiers of neurological disease.
They will assess the effect size of polygenic risk scores (PRS) in the context of known genetic causes of disease and pathogenic variant type.
The role also involves expanding the concept of genetic burden to include rare, qualifying variants that fall below the ACMG pathogenic/likely pathogenic threshold (i.e., so-called \"hot VUSs\").
The researcher will work with large-scale genomic datasets assembled by the FutureNeuro Centre, as well as data accessed through Genomics England, Epi25, and other international consortia.
They will collaborate with clinical and academic partners across multiple institutions and countries, and will be responsible for data transfer, management of omics datasets, and analysis aligned with the project's aims.
The position offers opportunities to present research findings at national and international conferences and collaborative meetings.
The supervisory team is committed to providing a supportive training environment focused on mentorship, skills development, and career progression.
Specifically, the duties of the post are: Process large NGS and GWAS genetic datasets (quality control, variant calling, annotation, shortlisting etc).
Apply a variety of methods to quantify polygenic risk scores from common genetic variation (e.g. lassosum and PRSice etc).
Application of methods to quantify genomic burden from rare variants.
Develop and assess performance of predictive models (that integrate genomic predictors of disease status and outcomes) Work closely and collaboratively with other team members and colleagues in collaborating sites Work as a key members of the FutureNeuro Centre, identifying new genes associated with neurological disease.
Work closely with clinical neurologists, clinical geneticists and research scientists to identify genomic factors influencing trajectory of neurological disease.
Communicate the results of analysis in the form of oral and written presentations Provide mentoring to undergraduate and postgraduate students in the laboratory group Preparing applications to access relevant genomics datasets Qualifications - (Essential): PhD (or equivalent) in genomics/genetics/bioinformatics/computational biology/related discipline Knowledge & Experience - (Essential): Experience with large 'omic data analysis, including analysing common (GWAS) and rare (exome WGS etc) genetic variation in the context of disease causation and/or risk.
Programming skills in a relevant language (e.g. R, Python, Bash or similar HPC shell scripting) Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills Collaborative mindset, demonstrated in a scientific setting Demonstrated proficiency in English, both written and verbal Proven ability to prepare high quality reports, presentations and other documentation, including a high degree of attention to detail Knowledge & Experience - (desirable): Experience working in a GDPR-compliant environment Experience of public and patient involvement in research (or engaged research) We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application - we'd love to hear from you.
Application Process Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal on the closing date with your CV and cover letter.
Please note we do not accept CVs directly.
Informal Enquiries: Informal enquiries are invited in the first instance through Gianpiero Cavalleri: All applications for this post must be made through the career's webpage Garda vetting and occupational health review may be required for this role, depending on the nature of the duties and responsibilities.
Further information will be provided during the recruitment process.
Eligibility to Work in Ireland Visa sponsorship is available for candidates who fully meet the essential criteria of the role.
Candidates who require a work permit or hosting agreement are welcome to apply.
Proof of eligibility documentation will be required at a later stage in the recruitment process.
Please note that sponsorship is subject to approval by the relevant Irish authorities and role-specific eligibility.