The Brain Imaging, Networks, and Data mining lab (BIND) in the Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience at the University of Bari Aldo Moro (Italy) aims to discover the biological sources of differences between individuals that make them at risk of – or resilient to – psychiatric disorders. We investigate the association of genetic variability with neurophysiological and neuropsychiatric brain phenotypes, with a focus on cognition and schizophrenia (for recent articles from the lab, see [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]).
We are about to open four calls for PhD positions:
- “Digital Innovation and E-Health” PhD program of the University of Bari Aldo Moro, for the project “Digital Tools for psychiatric and cognitive disorders: identify subjects at risk for conversion from preclinical conditions to psychosis”. Master’s Degree required, preferably in Psychology. Italian proficiency is preferred. For more information click the link below (Annex 3; page 36) or write to: Linda.Antonucci@uniba.it
- National PhD program in Artificial Intelligence (section “Health and Life Sciences”) for the project “The impact of inter-individual variation on the clinical outcome of pathologies of the thalamus”. Master’s Degree required, preferably in Psychology or Medical Sciences. Italian and/or French proficiencies are preferred. The scholarship foresees an exchange period in Toulouse, France. Write to: Giulio.Pergola@uniba.it or lola.danet@inserm.fr
- “Applied Neurosciences” PhD program of the University of Bari Aldo Moro, for the project “Association between gene co-expression, clinical symptoms and neurobiological phenotypes in individuals at risk for or with first-episode psychosis”. Master’s Degree required, preferably in biotechnology, bioinformatics, computational biology, data science, physics, or biomedical engineering. The project leverages transcriptomic and genomic datasets for neuroimaging, cognitive, and clinical translational genetics. Italian proficiency is not necessary. For more information click the link below (Annex 17; page 103) or write to: Giulio.pergola@uniba.it
Here is the link to the UNIBA PhD call: https://www.uniba.it/it/ricerca/dottorati/dottorato-ricerca-39-ciclo-aa-23-24/bando-di-concorso-39deg-ciclo-a-a-2023-2024 - “Digital Innovation and E-Health” PhD program of the University of Bari Aldo Moro. Project title: “Investigation of biological and environmental bases of risk for Major Psychiatric Disorders, their response to treatments and related side effects”. Master’s Degree required, preferably in Biology or Biotechnologies, along with wet lab experience. Italian proficiency is preferred. For more information click the link below (Annex 3; page 35) or write to: antonio.rampino@uniba.it ; Maria.favia@uniba.it
Link to the call for position 4, with deadline July 24th: https://www.unicampus.it/it/ucbm/bando-dottorato-di-ricerca-in-intelligenza-artificiale-dottorato-nazionale-area-salute-e-scienze-della-vita-xxxix-ciclo-a-a-2023-2024
Successful candidates are motivated and research-oriented. It is essential to have a team-working attitude and motivation to fit into the group. Proficiency in Italian is not required. The expected starting dates are October-December 2023. We are looking for candidates driven by the desire to understand the human brain and mind down to molecules and genetic variability so that we can generate actionable plans to empower young individuals, improve mental health prospects, and identify novel treatments.
The University of Bari Aldo Moro is one of the largest Italian universities (50.000 students, 1500 permanent professors and researchers, 1400 technicians and administrative staff). Bari is a sunny city located by the sea and the third largest Italian city south of Rome. Given the living cost, the salaries for these positions guarantee a good quality of life. The group includes psychologists, biotechnologists, MDs, and is international oriented, with Marie Curie and Seal of Excellence awardees Dr. Pergola, Dr. Antonucci, Dr. Valt, and several other members trained for over one year in the UK, USA, and Germany, besides natives of Germany and the USA.
Please get in touch with the addressees in each position if you want more information on the ongoing projects. If you wish to apply for a position, please indicate the reference number of the position(s) you are interested in and send a CV and the name of two references.