Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow - Machine Learning Project

About us

Are you interested in conducting groundbreaking mental health research? If so, we are looking for a talented postdoctoral researcher to join our pioneering MRC-funded project. Harnessing the power of machine learning, you will explore the interplay between metabolomic and proteomic data and depression to transform our understanding of this pervasive disorder.

Based at King’s College London, a leading institute for mental health research, you will conduct cutting-edge research supported by our research team in the Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre. You will have the opportunity to advance your skills through courses and training, empowering you to achieve your long-term career aspirations while contributing to the forefront of scientific discovery.

About the role

Depression is a leading cause of disability with 1 in 6 people likely to experience a depressive episode during their lifetime; however, there are no validated biological markers for the disorder. Identifying replicable markers could provide valuable information about the aetiology of the disorder and act as an early warning system prior to the onset of a depressive episode. Depression is a heterogeneous condition warranting the examination of multiple dimensions of depression, including different symptom profiles as well as sex-stratified approaches. This postdoctoral position will enable you to take the lead in examining large-scale biological data to:

1. Analyse metabolomic and proteomic data using machine learning to identify those measures related with specific depressive symptom profiles.
2. Examine metabolomic and proteomic data to identify sex-specific differences in depression manifestation.
3. Apply Mendelian randomization to examine causal relationships between depression and metabolomic and proteomic measures.

There will be fantastic opportunities for you to refine your science communication skills by presenting your research at prestigious international conferences and meetings. There will also be opportunities to engage with diverse audiences, including individuals with lived experiences of depression, through public engagement and public outreach initiatives.

As a valued member of our team within the Statistical Genetics Unit at the Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, you will be part of a collaborative research environment led by distinguished experts, Dr David Howard (Principal Investigator) and Professor Cathryn Lewis (Head of Department). In this inclusive and supportive environment, you will receive unparalleled mentorship and collaborative opportunities to maximise the impact of your research.

Expert collaborators will also provide additional support to both you and the project as well as providing you with further opportunities for expanding your scientific network.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week) on a four-year fixed term contract, but a part-time contract will be considered.

Closing date: 16/06/2024

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