Postdoctoral Position (Mental Health Research)

--Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar--

Postdoctoral Position

In a pioneering international initiative, Cornell University and Weill Cornell Medical College established Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar (WCM-Q) in 2001 through a unique partnership with the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.

WCM-Q seeks candidates for a postdoctoral associate position in mental health research.


The Al-Amin Lab invites applications for a postdoctoral position to study biopsychosocial profiles of patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorders, including pharmacogenomics and biomarkers for precision psychiatry. More details about our research are available at  http://vivo.med.cornell.edu/display/cwid-haa2019.


WCM-Q and Weill Cornell Medical College in New York share the same mission: to provide the finest education possible for medical students, conduct research at the cutting edge of knowledge, improve health care, both now and for future generations, and provide the highest quality of care to the community. Full details regarding the WCM-Q program and facilities, including affiliations with ACGME-I accredited clinical sites, can be accessed at http://qatar-weill.cornell.edu.


Position overview

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our multidisciplinary team. The successful candidate will investigate the biomarkers and pharmacogenomic factors influencing the efficacy and safety of antipsychotic treatments in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in personalized mental health care.

Key responsibilities

  • Conduct research on pharmacogenomic and pharmacogenetic markers associated with antipsychotic response and adverse effects.
  • Identify and validate biomarkers for schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.
  • Analyze genomic data using bioinformatics tools and statistical methods.
  • Collaborate with clinical teams to recruit and assess patient cohorts.
  • Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
  • Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research methodologies.
  • Contribute to grant writing and funding applications.

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Pharmacogenomics, Genetics, Pharmacology, Psychiatry, or a related field
  • Strong background in molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics
  • Experience with statistical analysis and software (e.g., R, Python, PLINK)
  • Familiarity with psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

Specific skills required

  • Bioinformatics Expertise: Proficiency in analyzing genomic data and using bioinformatics tools (e.g., GATK, Bioconductor)
  • Statistical Analysis: Strong skills in statistical modeling and hypothesis testing
  • Laboratory Techniques: Experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, sequencing, and genotyping
  • Clinical Research Acumen: Understanding of clinical trial design and patient recruitment strategies 
  • Data Management Skills: Ability to manage and analyze large datasets, with experience in data visualization
  • Scientific Writing Proficiency: Strong skills in writing research papers and grant proposals 


WCM-Q is located in Education City, among other American universities in Doha, a rapidly growing research hub. The WCM-Q research program offers a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment with a comprehensive support infrastructure. Details regarding the WCM-Q research program and facilities can be accessed at https://qatar-weill.cornell.edu/research.

The academic departments at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York appoint WCM-Q postdoctoral associates.

Qualified applicants are invited to submit a letter of application, which should outline their interest in the position, along with their curriculum vitae, including three referees' names and contact details. Please note that, due to the volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 

The position is currently available until filled.

                           

​  Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.