Vacature Postdocs for a Precision Psychiatry biomarker mapping project

Postdocs for a Precision Psychiatry biomarker mapping project in Groningen

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.

Who are you?

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.

What can you expect from us?

• In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least €4.241 (Schaal 10.4) up to a maximum of €4.728 (Schaal 10.7) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
• 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.
• 2.5 years appointment.

Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

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.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter. After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!

For questions about your application process, please contact us.