How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. Please also provide contact information for three references.
Summary
The University of Michigan's COMPASS Study (Comprehensive Mobile Precision Approach for Scalable Solutions in Mental Health Treatment) invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to join our interdisciplinary research team. Under the supervision of Dr. Lars Fritsche in the Department of Biostatistics, the successful candidate will analyze genomic data to support an extensive, collaborative network of researchers aiming to develop predictive models and advance pharmacogenetics research to improve mental health treatment outcomes.
The COMPASS Study, supported by a U01 grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), aims to revolutionize mental health treatment by integrating mobile technology, genomic, behavioral, and electronic health record data to create decision aids that predict the best treatment approaches for individuals. The study is led by Principal Investigators Dr. Amy Bohnert (Department of Anesthesiology, Michigan Medicine), Dr. Lars Fritsche (Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health), and Dr. Srijan Sen (Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine). By enrolling thousands of patient volunteers, the COMPASS team seeks to develop precision mental health care similar to that available for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. The study uses mobile mental health apps, wearable trackers, surveys, and genetic tests to gather comprehensive data. The goal is to build tools that help providers choose the proper treatment and support program for each patient, reducing time to recovery and improving mental health outcomes.
For more information, please contact Dr. Lars Fritsche (Email: [email protected]).
Responsibilities*
Genomic Data Analysis and Management
- Manage, curate, clean, extract, and analyze genotyping array data.
- Focus on pharmacogenetics (PGx) star allele and variant calling.
Pipeline Development and Management
- Develop and run pipelines to run GWAS, generate polygenic risk scores (PRS), and estimate pharmacogenetic phenotypes.
Collaborative Research
- Integrate data from published GWAS meta-analysis consortia and large biobanks like the University of Michigan Precision Health Cohorts, UK Biobank, and NIH All of Us Research Program.
EHR Data Integration
- Process and integrate electronic health record data with genomic data.
Data Dissemination and Coordination
- Coordinate with the IMPACT-MH Data Coordinating Center on data harmonization and sharing.
Research Dissemination
- Participate in research meetings, present findings, and contribute to scientific publications.
Continuous Learning
- Conduct literature reviews to stay updated on genetic data analysis, PRS, pharmacogenetics, and mental health genomics research.
- Areas of continued learning include AI and Machine Learning techniques, causal inference, tailoring digital interventions, and patient engagement in research.
Required Qualifications*
- Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Genetics, Computational Biology, Epidemiology, or a related field.
- Experience in genomic data analysis, including GWAS, PRS, pharmacogenetics, and high-throughput omics data.
- Proficiency in R and Python, with experience in Linux and high-performance computing clusters.
- Strong statistical analysis skills.
- Excellent oral and scientific writing communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and make informed decisions.
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience in mental health research and integration of genomic and clinical data.
- Familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques.
- Experience in collaborative research environments and team science.
Work Locations
This position may be eligible for remote and/or flexible work opportunities at the discretion of the hiring department. Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change dependent on the business needs of the hiring department, throughout the course of employment.
Additional Information
Ann Arbor is a progressive city of about 118,000 year-round residents, and approximately 43,000 students, with excellent schools and a wide variety of sporting and musical activities. It is rated very highly in national surveys for its quality of life and has the amenities of a city many times its size. In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future.
The University of Michigan is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all community members. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who will contribute to this mission.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.