Postdoctoral Fellow – Population Neuroscience Group (Data Scientist/ AI)

About the employer

The Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC) is a research center dedicated to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and the study of cognitive functions affected in healthy and pathological aging. It was created in 2012 by the Pasqual Maragall Foundation, with the support of the Pompeu Fabra University.

The mission of the BBRC is to provide innovative solutions to decipher and prevent biological changes and cognitive dysfunction associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Due to the aging of the world population, these diseases constitute a global challenge, since for example, dementia can reach epidemic levels in 2050, with a forecast of more than 150 million people affected, if is not found a way to prevent its appearance and development.

The BBRC received the HR Excellence in Research award (HRS4R) granted by the European Commission; a recognition that shows its adherence to the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Research Staff. The center offers a stimulating and favorable working environment in accordance with the Charter and Code, which describe the rights and responsibilities of researchers and their employers, and contributes to the creation of a transparent, attractive and open ecosystem at international level.

Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Pompeu Fabra University and “la Caixa” Foundation are permanent members of the BBRC Board. The center is affiliated and located in the Ciutadella Campus of the Pompeu Fabra University of Barcelona, in a building inaugurated in 2016. The BBRC headquarters has excellent technical facilities, including a 3T MR scanner dedicated to research, and spaces for conducting Clinical Trials and EEG. State-of-the-art scientific facilities, effective management and continuous high-standard peer-review evaluation are the BBRC core proceedings to ensure achieving world-class research results.

BBRC is also part of the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), a large research facility that hosts other seven different research institutions related to biomedical research, including the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), the Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), the Department of Experimental and Health Sciences of the Pompeu Fabra University (CEXS-UPF), the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE CSIC-UPF), the Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal) and the Barcelona site of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), among others, in a multidisciplinary, collaborative and stimulating international environment in close contact with a clinical setting, thus conducive to translational research.

For more information see: www.fpmaragall.org  and www.barcelonabeta.org 

About the job

BBRC is looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow. This is a full-time position, and the selected candidate will join the Population Neuroscience Group. 
This Group, co-directed by Drs. Pausova and Paus, works on genetic and environmental factors shaping the human brain across the lifespan. Ultimately, we wish to identify key processes necessary for building resilience to brain disease. We use a combination of approaches applied to large datasets, including neuroimaging (multi-modal MRI), multi-omics (e.g., genomics and metabolomics), and geospatial mapping of area-level environment. To facilitate the neurobiological interpretation of MRI-based metrics, we employ virtual histology (spatial correlation between gene expression and cortical phenotypes). To validate findings obtained in cohort studies, we use ex vivo (e.g., brain organoids) and in vivo (e.g., mice) experimental models. Our Group collaborates with colleagues based in two international consortia: CHARGE and ENIGMA. Our research takes place in both Barcelona, Spain and Montreal, Canada – with a dedicated team of students and fellows at both locations, and opportunities for reciprocal visits between the two sites.

Main Responsibilities

The responsibilities for this position include:

•  Multiomics analytics and predictive modelling;
• Bioinformatics and Knowledge Graphs (visualization and reporting);
• AI-based data integration across cohorts (with federated machine learning);
• Contribute to ongoing projects, such as:
  o    Integration of macroscopic (magnetic resonance imaging) and microscopic (multi-cell microscopy) brain phenotypes with single-cell transcriptomics;
  o    Predictive modelling of late-life dementia from midlife cortical atrophy associated with lifestyle and genetic risks;
• Collaborate with neuroscientists, biostatisticians, and clinical researchers within BBRC and external partners.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, presentations, and dissemination of research outcomes.
• Supervise or mentor junior researchers and students when appropriate.

Qualifications and experience

•  PhD in computer science, bioinformatics, applied mathematics, neuroscience, or a related field.
• Proven experience in machine learning, deep learning, generative AI and data mining.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, or similar).
• Experience with data visualization and model interpretability.

Personal Skills

• Self-initiative. Capacity to work independently and communicate efficiently.
• Strong problem-solving mindset.
• Strong writing skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team
• Good Organization and time management skills
• Ability to think independently and work collaboratively (empathic and focused team-worker)
• Goal-oriented and work ethic-driven.
• Strong interest in biological and neuroscientific applications of AI.
• Interest in joining a non-profit organization with a mission of high social impact.

We offer

•  Starting date: Immediately.     
• 1-year position, renewable up to 3 years depending on performance and funding availability
•  Full-time position, 38 hours/week.
•  Salary will depend on experience and will be in accordance with BBRC’s salary scales.
•  The Foundation offers an extended vacation period and the possibility of benefit from flexible working hours.
• Hybrid work model (on-site + teleworking)     .

We offer a unique research opportunity in a highly innovative project in a multidisciplinary institution, promoting a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.     
In the BBRC we also care about developing your professional abilities and career. We evaluate the potential of our team in order to develop the skills necessary to achieve a high level of professional performance.      

Application process

To apply, please submit a single PDF file containing the following:
1)    Cover letter addressed describing research interests and relevant background
2)    CV
3)    The names of up to three individuals who could provide reference letters. All files or inquiries should be submitted electronically to: talent@barcelonabeta.org Subject: Population Neuroscience Data Scientist

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