Research Scholar (Postdoctoral Fellowship)
About The Position
Dr. Kristine Yaffe and the SFVA/UCSF Center of Population Brain Health are recruiting for an advanced two-year postdoctoral fellowship in data science applications to Alzheimer disease and Alzheimer disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD) and brain health. Potential application areas include bioinformatics, big data, genetic epidemiology, prognostic models, and machine learning. The fellowship is associated with the Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center at the San Francisco VA Health Care System (MIRECC; VISN 21) and affiliated with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). The program trains fellows with doctoral degrees in epidemiology, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, biostatistics, computer science, data science, or similar quantitative fields to become skilled investigators advancing understanding of AD/ADRD and addressing challenges in cognitive and brain health research. Across the two-year program, fellows receive training in bioinformatic concepts and computational methods, with opportunities to develop novel approaches and tools for analyzing AD/ADRD and brain health data. The successful candidate will work with large-scale datasets on research questions including risk and resilience factors for brain health, the AD/ADRD exposome across the life course, and mechanisms of AD/ADRD development. Fellows drive an original research agenda while developing the skills and training needed to become independent investigators. Under the guidance of Fellowship Director Dr. Kristine Yaffe, the fellow may collaborate with investigators and participate in didactic sessions. Additional faculty mentors are affiliated with SFVAHCS services and UCSF departments and institutes. The multidisciplinary research team is dedicated to advancing brain health across the lifespan. It emphasizes population-based research methods to identify risk and protective factors for AD/ADRD, cognitive aging, and brain health, and to optimize cognitive and brain health in aging. Faculty expertise spans epidemiology, neurology, and psychiatry. The fellowship is funded by the Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Requirements
- Doctoral degree in epidemiology, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, biostatistics, computer science, data science, or a similar quantitative field.
- Submit a letter of interest detailing research experience, interests, and career goals; a CV; and three letters of recommendation.
- Complete SFVA onboarding requirements, including a federal background check, occupational health clearance, vaccines and immunizations, and drug testing for certain positions.
- Qualified U.S. citizens will be selected over other individuals eligible to work in the United States; noncitizens eligible to work in the United States may be considered only if no qualified U.S. citizens apply.
Responsibilities
- Drive an original research agenda using large-scale datasets to address questions related to AD/ADRD and brain health.
- Investigate risk and resilience factors for brain health, the AD/ADRD exposome across the life course, and mechanistic pathways of AD/ADRD development.
- Develop novel approaches and tools for analyzing AD/ADRD and brain health data.
- Participate in collaborations with investigators and didactic sessions.
- Complete SFVA onboarding requirements in addition to NCIRE onboarding, including required background and occupational health checks.
Benefits
- A successful candidate may be eligible to earn additional compensation, including bonuses.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
