Postdocs for a Precision Psychiatry biomarker mapping project

As part of the Precision Psychiatry Roadmap, two postdoctoral researchers will jointly conduct a large-scale biomarker mapping exercise focused on anxiety disorders, depression, and psychosis. Under the direct supervision of Prof. Martien Kas, the postdocs will systematically identify, categorize, and analyze established and ongoing international biomarker studies, including biological, behavioral, social, and digital biomarkers.

What are you going to do?

Key tasks include literature and internet-based reviews, stakeholder engagement to collect detailed study information, and mapping biomarkers according to functional domains, biological levels, and stages of validation. The postdocs will perform gap analyses to identify unmet needs in transdiagnostic and within-disorder stratification. In addition, they will contribute to the preparation, execution, and scientific reporting of international consensus-building meetings and workshops, and will co-author peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

You have:

• A PhD in neuroscience, psychiatry, psychology, biomedical sciences, data science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with systematic literature reviews, evidence synthesis, or large-scale data mapping projects.
• Strong analytical skills and experience organizing and categorizing complex, multidisciplinary datasets.
• Familiarity with biomarkers in mental health research (e.g. genetic, neurobiological, cognitive, behavioral, social or digital biomarkers).
• Experience working with international consortia or multi-stakeholder research projects is an advantage.
• Ability to use AI-assisted tools (e.g. for literature screening or data extraction) in a responsible and critical manner.
• Excellent command of English (oral and written).
• Strong communication skills, including scientific writing and presentation abilities.

• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

Research will be performed in the Neurobiology group at the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES) at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. The project is embedded within the international Precision Psychiatry Roadmap initiative coordinated by the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP). The postdocs will work closely with a wide network of stakeholders from academia, industry, regulatory agencies, and patient organizations, contributing to a global effort to develop a biology-informed diagnostic framework for mental disorders.

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job?
Martien Kas (Full Professor): M.J.H.Kas@rug.nl

Questions about your application process?
Martien Kas (Full Professor): M.J.H.Kas@rug.nl