Join the lab.

Postdoctoral Fellow in Neuroimaging-Genetics

Posted May 2024

The Hernandez Laboratory (https://www.hernandezlabucla.org/) in the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA is accepting applications for a postdoctoral research fellow in psychiatric genetics. We are seeking an independent, self-motivated researcher to contribute to multiple projects investigating the genetic and genomic basis of autism, psychosis, and brain development, including links with postmortem gene expression and neuroimaging phenotypes. The candidate will lead the integration of multiple large-scale datasets to identify genetic/neuroimaging biomarkers of risk for psychiatric disorders. The successful candidate will lead the dissemination of findings in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences. The Hernandez lab is embedded in the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART), providing opportunities for collaboration on related projects with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians.

Requirements:

  • PhD in Neuroscience, Genetics, Bioinformatics, or related field

  • Experience working with genetics pipelines (e.g., PRS, GWAS, TWAS, LDSC, GCTA)

  • Expert proficiency with Linux operating system

  • Advanced proficiency with one or more programming languages (R, Python, MATLAB, Julia, etc.)

  • Excellent troubleshooting skills and ability to problem-solve using own judgement

  • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing

  • Ability to work efficiently with or without direct supervision

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience with MRI neuroimaging data analysis (structural, DTI, resting-state)

  • Experience coordinating data analysis across multiple studies (meta-analysis)

  • Experience leading analyses of longitudinal MRI data

  • Prior research in autism or psychosis

  • History performing research or working with developmental populations

Interested applicants should send their CV (including names of three references) and a cover letter describing their research interests and career goals to Dr. Leanna Hernandez (leannahernandez [at] ucla.edu).