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Multi-omic studies towards the identification of robust biomarkers for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The aims of this Army-funded study are identifying, validating and characterizing blood-based diagnostic biomarkers for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Harvard is part of a collaborative consortium of researchers that includes NYU, UCSF, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, the Institute for Systems Biology, and the Army Center for Environmental Health Research. At Harvard, the team continues to work on (i) optimizing the panel of heterogeneous (multi-omics) markers for diagnosing PTSD, (ii) identifying dysregulated subnetworks that are related to glucocorticoid receptor regulation and Fc epsilon R1 signaling in PTSD based on changes in DNA methylation patterns, (iii) constructing, validating and characterizing polygenic risk profiles for PTSD, and (iv) identifying mechanisms underlying metabolic dysfunction in PTSD with a network based mathematical modeling using correlational and causal analysis. In the next phase of the project, in addition to refinement and further validation of these results on larger independent cohorts, we aim to characterize their properties by investigating the impact of comorbidity, demographic factors, and symptom severity range on biomarker performance. We also plan to enhance and refine (for example, by focusing on subsets of features or updating parameters) the panels as necessary with the ultimate goal of building a robust PTSD diagnostic biomarker panel.

The review process is competitive, based on academic record, as well as professional and extra-curricular experience.

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or related fields.

An application must include:
1. CV (including full contact information)
2. At least three letters of recommendation
3. 1-3 published research papers
4. Statement of research

SEAS is dedicated to building a diverse and welcoming community, and we strongly encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups.

Nick Lumia
150 Western Avenue
Boston, MA 02134

Harvard is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, military service, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or other protected status.